Molecular Structure-Intrinsic Photostability Relationships for a Series of Conjugated Polymers: Backbone Substitution Matters!

J Phys Chem B. 2023 Jul 20;127(28):6432-6439. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03242. Epub 2023 Jul 10.

Abstract

Herein, we present an efficient approach for screening the intrinsic photostability of organic absorber materials used in photovoltaic applications. Using a series of structurally related conjugated polymers and a set of complementary techniques, we established important "material structure-photostability" relationships. In particular, we have revealed that the introduction of alkoxy, thioalkyl, and fluorine substituents adversely affects the material photostability. Further systematic screening of different types of materials using the developed techniques should yield a set of guidelines for designing more stable absorber materials for organic solar cells.