Chapter 8. Naphthalene Diimide-based Photovoltaics

Naphthalene diimides undergo single electron reduction processes either chemically or electrochemically at modest potential to yield the corresponding radical anion in high yield. The diimide radical anion has well-behaved properties, including stability, excellent photophysical behaviour and well-structured EPR signals. These properties, combined with the vast array of functionality now possible on the core represent strong candidates for pragmatic photovoltaic devices. This chapter describes the development of naphthalene diimides in photovoltaic systems supported by a theoretical basis for energy and electron transfer mechanisms.