Harnessing Sunlight via Molecular Photon Upconversion

Molecular photon upconversion via triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA-UC) is an intriguing strategy to harness sub-bandgap photons and surpass the Shockley-Queisser (SQ) limit for solar energy conversion. In this perspective, we briefly summarize the progress to date harnessing TTA-UC in solar cells using both optically and electrically coupled schemes. We then highlight the efficiency limiting processes for these schemes and outline possible paths toward upconverted photocurrent contributions of >1 mA/cm². Further progress in red-shifting absorption, coupling to high-energy light harvesting motifs, photon management, sensitizer/annihilator design, and more are necessary for the realization of a viable TTA-UC solar cell that can pass the SQ limit.