The π-conjugated system and the steric configuration of hole transport materials (HTMs) could greatly affect their various properties and the corresponding perovskite solar cells' efficiencies. Here, a molecular engineering strategy of incorporating different amounts of p-methoxyaniline-substituted dibenzofurans as π bridge into HTMs was proposed to develop oligomer HTMs, named mDBF, bDBF, and tDBF. Upon extending the π-conjugation of HTMs, their HOMO energy levels were slightly deepened, significantly increasing the thermal stability and hole mobility. The incorporation of p-methoxyaniline bridges built one or two additional triphenylamine propeller structures, resulting in a denser film. Here, the tDBF-based n-i-p flexible perovskite solar cells createdchampion efficiency, giving a power conversion efficiency of 19.46%. And the simple synthesis and purification process of tDBF contributed to its low manufacturing cost in the laboratory. This work provided a reference for the development of low-cost and efficient HTMs.
Keywords: dibenzofuran; hole transport materials; oligomers; perovskite solar cells; π-conjugation modulation.