Solution-processed organic photovoltaic cells with anthracene derivatives

ChemSusChem. 2010 Jun 21;3(6):742-8. doi: 10.1002/cssc.201000037.

Abstract

Solution-processed small-molecule bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells are fabricated by using [6,6]-phenyl-C(61)-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as electron acceptor and triisopropylsilylethynyl anthracene (TIPSAnt) derivatives substituted with naphthalene (TIPSAntNa) and bithiophene (TIPSAntBT) as electron donors. In contrast to TIPS-pentacene, the TIPSAnt derivatives are not susceptible to Diels-Alder reactions with PCBM when processed in solution, as confirmed by UV/Vis measurements. Photoluminescence quenching measurements show exciton diffusion lengths of 5 and 3 nm for TIPSAntBT and TIPSAntNa, respectively. Blending TIPSAntBT and TIPSAntNa with PCBM (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 weight ratios) produces films that possess adequate hole and electron mobilities. The morphological changes that result from varying the blending ratio range from obvious phase-segregated crystalline domains at a 1:1 ratio to homogeneous, nearly amorphous phases at a 1:4 ratio. Bulk heterojunction solar cells prepared by using a TIPSAntBT:PCBM blend reach power conversion efficiencies as high as 1.4 %.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anthracenes / chemistry*
  • Energy-Generating Resources
  • Fullerenes / chemistry
  • Solar Energy*
  • Solutions

Substances

  • (6,6)-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester
  • Anthracenes
  • Fullerenes
  • Solutions
  • anthracene