Dithieno[2,3‐d:2',3'‐d']benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b']dithiophene (DTBDAT)‐based copolymers for high‐performance organic solar cells

P(BDT‐TCNT) and P(DTBDAT‐TCNT) , which has an extended conjugation length, were designed and synthesized for applications in organic solar cell (OSCs). The solution absorption maxima of P(DTBDAT‐TCNT) with the extended conjugation were red‐shifted by 5–15 nm compared with those of P(BDT‐TCNT) . The optical band gaps and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels of both P(BDT‐TCNT) and P(DTBDAT‐TCNT) were similar. The structure properties of thin films of these materials were characterized using grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and tapping‐mode atomic force microscopy, and charge carrier mobilities were characterized using the space‐charge limited current method. OSCs were formed using [6,6]‐phenyl‐C₇₁‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM) as the electron acceptor and 3% diphenylether as additive suppress aggregation. OSCs with P(BDT‐TCNT) as the electron donor exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.10% with a short‐circuit current density of J_SC = 9.06 mA/cm², an open‐circuit voltage of V_OC = 0.77 V, and a fill factor of FF = 0.58. OSCs formed using P(DTBDAT‐TCNT) as the electron donor layer exhibited a PCE of 5.83% with J_SC = 12.2 mA/cm², V_OC = 0.77 V, and FF = 0.62. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 3182–3192     

Ternary-organic photovoltaics with J71 as donor and two compatible nonfullerene acceptors

Recombining the advantages on photovoltaic parameters of two binary-organic photovoltaics (OPVs) into one ternary cell is an efficient strategy for selecting materials, in addition to the absorption spectra complementary among the used materials. The binary-OPVs with J71:BTP-4F-12 exhibit a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.70%, along with a short-circuit-current-density (J_SC) of 23.61 mA cm⁻², an open-circuit-voltage (V_OC) of 0.841 V and a fill factor (FF) of 58.99%. Although the relatively low PCE of 10.92% and J_SC of 16.59 mA cm⁻² are achieved in J71:ITIC-based binary-OPVs, the V_OC of 0.935 V and FF of 70.40% are impressive compared with J71:BTP-4F-12-based OPVs. Optimal ternary-OPVs are achieved with J71:BTP-4F-12:ITIC as active layers by weight ratio of 1:0.48:0.72, delivering a markedly increased PCE of 13.05% with a V_OC of 0.903 V, a J_SC of 21.27 mA cm⁻² and a FF of 68.20%. An over 11.5% PCE improvement is obtained by recombining the advantages of binary-OPVs into ternary-OPVs with ITIC as photon harvesting reinforcing agent and morphology regulator. The good compatibility between BTP-4F-12 and ITIC provides large room to well optimize their relative content for achieving the well balanced three key photovoltaic parameters of ternary-OPVs.     

Highly Efficient Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Panchromatic Ruthenium Sensitizers with Quinolinylbipyridine Anchors

Panchromatic Ru^II sensitizers TF‐30–TF‐33 bearing a new class of 6‐quinolin‐8‐yl‐2,2′‐bipyridine anchor were synthesized and tested under AM1.5 G simulated solar irradiation. Their increased π conjugation relative to that of the traditional 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine‐based anchor led to a remarkable improvement in absorptivity across the whole UV–Vis–NIR spectral regime. Furthermore, the introduction of a bulky tert‐butyl substituent on the quinolinyl fragment not only led to an increase in the J_SC value owing to the suppression of dye aggregation, but remarkably also resulted in no loss in V_OC in comparison with the reference sensitizer containing a tricarboxyterpyridine anchor. The champion sensitizer in DSC devices was found to be TF‐32 with a performance of J_SC=19.2 mA cm^?2, V_OC=740 mV, FF=0.72, and η=10.19 %. This 6‐quinolin‐8‐yl‐2,2′‐bipyridine anchor thus serves as a prototype for the next generation of Ru^II sensitizers with any tridentate ancillary.     

A Photoelectrochemical Solar Cell Consisting of a Cadmium Sulfide Photoanode and a Ruthenium–2,2′‐Bipyridine Redox Shuttle in a Non‐aqueous Electrolyte

A photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell consisting of an n‐type CdS single‐crystal electrode and a Pt counter electrode with the ruthenium–2,2′‐bipyridine complex [Ru(bpy)₃]^2+/3+ as the redox shuttle in a non‐aqueous electrolyte was studied to obtain a higher open‐circuit voltage (V_OC) than the onset voltage for water splitting. A V_OC of 1.48 V and a short‐circuit current (I_SC) of 3.88 mA cm^?2 were obtained under irradiation by a 300 W Xe lamp with 420–800 nm visible light. This relatively high voltage was presumably due to the difference between the Fermi level of photo‐irradiated n‐type CdS and the redox potential of the Ru complex at the Pt electrode. The smooth redox reaction of the Ru complex with one‐electron transfer was thought to have contributed to the high V_OC and I_SC. The obtained V_OC was more than the onset voltage of water electrolysis for hydrogen and oxygen generation, suggesting prospects for application in water electrolysis.     

New Dual Donor–Acceptor (2D‐π‐2A) Porphyrin Sensitizers for Stable and Cost‐Effective Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

A series of porphyrin sensitizers that featured two electron‐donating groups and dual anchoring groups that were connected through a porphine π‐bridging unit have been synthesized and successfully applied in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The presence of electron‐donating groups had a significant influence on their spectroscopic, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties. Overall, the dual anchoring groups gave tunable electronic properties and stronger attachment to TiO₂. These new dyes were readily synthesized in a minimum number of steps in gram‐scale quantities. Optical and electrochemical data confirmed the advantages of these dyes for use as sensitizers in DSSCs. Porphyrins with electron‐donating amino moieties provided improved charge separation and better charge‐injection efficiencies for the studied dual‐push–pull dyes. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier‐transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy of the porphyrin dyes on TiO₂ suggest that both p‐carboxyphenyl groups are attached onto TiO₂, thereby resulting in strong attachment. Among these dyes, cis-Zn2BC2A , with two electron‐donating 3,6‐ditertbutyl‐phenyl‐carbazole groups and dual‐anchoring p‐carboxyphenyl groups, showed the highest efficiency of 4.07 %, with J_SC=9.81 mA cm^?2, V_OC=0.63 V, and FF=66 %. Our results also indicated a better photostability of the studied dual‐anchored sensitizers compared to their mono‐anchored analogues under identical conditions. These results provide insight into the developments of a new generation of high‐efficiency and thermally stable porphyrin sensitizers.     

Synthesis and characterization of low‐bandgap copolymers based on dihexyl‐2h‐benzimidazole and cyclopentadithiophene

A series of new semiconducting polymers based on 4,4‐dihexyl‐4H‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene, 2,2‐dihexyl‐2H‐benzimidazole, and thiophene units was synthesized. The polymers show good solubility at room temperature in organic solvents owing to long alkyl chain in new acceptor, 2,2‐dihexyl‐2H‐benzimidazole. The advantage of dihexyl‐2H‐benzimidazole compared to the benzothiadiazole is to improve the solubility of the polymer. It was found that these polymers can finely be tuned for photovoltaic application by adjusting the contents ratio of the dihexyl‐2H‐benzimidazole unit. The spectra of the solid films show absorption bands with maximum peaks in the range of 421–577 nm and the absorption onsets at 588–683 nm, corresponding to band gaps of 2.11–1.82 eV. The devices with PCPDTDTHBI‐1 :PC₇₁BM showed an open‐circuit voltage (V_OC) of 0.46 V, a short‐circuit current density (J_SC) of 3.83 mA/cm², and a fill factor of 0.36, giving a power conversion efficiency of 0.64%. Decrease of the dihexyl‐2H‐benzimidazole contents in the polymers induced red‐shift of the UV absorptions, and increased V_OC and J_SC values, to improve the efficiency of organic photovoltaics. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

First‐Generation Subporphyrinatoboron(III) Sensitizers Surpass the 10 % Power Conversion Efficiency Threshold

Subporphyrinatoboron(III) (SubB) sensitizers were synthesized for use in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The prototype, which comprises a sterically demanding 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl scaffold, a meso‐ethynylphenyl spacer, and a cyanoacrylic acid anchoring group, achieved an open‐circuit voltage V_OC of 836 mV, short‐circuit current density J_SC of 15.3 mA cm^?2, fill factor of 0.786, and a photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency of 10.1 %. Such astonishing figures suggest that a bright future lies ahead for SubB in the realm of DSSCs.     

Photovoltaic activity of Ti/MCM‐41

Ti/MCM‐41 is a well‐known heterogeneous catalyst for alkene epoxidation with organic peroxides. This titanosilicate contains isolated titanium atoms forming part of a framework of mesoporous silica whose structure is formed by parallel hexagonal channels 3.2 nm in diameter. The surface area and porosity of Ti/MCM‐41 are about 880 m² g^?1 and 0.70 cm³ g^?1, respectively. These values are among the highest for any material. Herein, we show that Ti/MCM‐41 exhibits photovoltaic activity. Dye‐sensitized solar cells using mesoporous Ti/MCM‐41 (2.8–5.7 % Ti content) as active layer, black dye N3 as photosensitizer and I₃^?/I^? in methoxyacetonitrile as electrolyte exhibit a V_OC, J_SC and FF of 0.44 V, 0.045 mA cm^?2 and 0.33, respectively. These values compare well against 0.75 V, 4.1 mA cm^?2 and 0.64, respectively, measured for analogous solar cells using conventional P‐25 TiO₂. However, the specific current density (J_SC/Ti atom) for the Ti/MCM‐41 is very similar to that of P25 TiO₂.     

Two novel branched chain polymeric metal complexes based on Cd(II), Zn(II) with fluorene,thiophene, 8‐hydroxyquinoline,and 1,10‐phenathroline ligand: synthesis,characterization, photovoltaic properties,and their application in DSSCs

Two novel side chain polymeric metal complexes (PFT‐Cd and PFT‐Zn) have been designed, synthesized, and characterized. These polymers were found to be good thermally stable and high glass transitions temperature, which indicate that these polymers could be applied as photovoltaic materials for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The obtained polymers exhibited good photovoltaic property. The DSSCs based on the PFT‐Cd and PFT‐Zn exhibited a maximum solar‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency (η) up to 3.37% (J_sc = 7.27 mA/cm², V_oc = 0.67 V, and FF = 0.69) and 3.01% (V_oc = 0.72 V, J_sc = 6.10 mA/cm², FF = 0.69) under simulated AM 1.5 G solar irradiation (90–95 mW/cm²). The result shows that these novel materials are suitable for the dye‐sensitized solar cells. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cyclometalated Ruthenium(II) Complexes Featuring Tridentate Click‐Derived Ligands for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell Applications

A series of heteroleptic bis(tridentate) Ru^II complexes featuring N^C^N‐cyclometalating ligands is presented. The 1,2,3‐triazole‐containing tridentate ligands are readily functionalized with hydrophobic side chains by means of click chemistry and the corresponding cyclometalated Ru^II complexes are easily synthesized. The performance of these thiocyanate‐free complexes in a dye‐sensitized solar cell was tested and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 4.0 % (J_sc=8.1 mA cm^?2, V_oc=0.66 V, FF=0.70) was achieved, while the black dye ((NBu₄)₃[Ru(Htctpy)(NCS)₃]; Htctpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine‐4′‐carboxylic acid‐4,4′′‐dicarboxylate) showed 5.2 % (J_sc=10.7 mA cm^?2, V_oc=0.69 V, FF=0.69) under comparable conditions. When co‐adsorbed with chenodeoxycholic acid, the PCE of the best cyclometalated dye could be improved to 4.5 % (J_sc=9.4 mA cm^?2, V_oc=0.65 V, FF=0.70). The PCEs correlate well with the light‐harvesting capabilities of the dyes, while a comparable incident photon‐to‐current efficiency was achieved with the cyclometalated dye and the black dye. Regeneration appeared to be efficient in the parent dye, despite the high energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital. The device performance was investigated in more detail by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Ultimately, a promising Ru^II sensitizer platform is presented that features a highly functionalizable “click”‐derived cyclometalating ligand.     

Bis(5,7‐dimethyl‐8‐hydroxyquinolinato)platinum(II) Complex for Efficient Organic Heterojunction Solar Cells

Organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells using metal(II) (Pt, Pd, Cu, and Ni) chelates of 8‐hydroxyquinoline (Hq) or 5,7‐dimethyl‐8‐hydroxy‐quinoline (HMe₂q) as an electron donor were fabricated by vacuum deposition. The bis(5,7‐dimethyl‐8‐hydroxyquinolinato)platinum(II) [Pt(Me₂q)₂]‐based OPVs showed the best performance with an open voltage (V_OC) of 0.42 V, a short circuit current density (J_SC) of 14.8 mA cm^?2, and a maximum power conversion efficiency (η_P) of 2.4 %. The X‐ray single‐crystal structures together with the grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GIXRD) data of thin film samples reveal that the peripheral methyl substituent(s) and platinum(II) ion are essential for the high degree of film crystallinity resulting in improved performance of the as‐fabricated field‐effect transistors (FETs) and OPV cells.     

Tailor‐Made Hole‐Conducting Coadsorbents for Highly Efficient Organic Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells

The Y‐shaped, low molecular mass, hole‐conductor (HC), acidic coadsorbents 4‐{3,7‐bis[4‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)phenyl]‐10H‐phenothiazin‐10‐yl}benzoic acid ( PTZ1 ) and 4‐{3,7‐bis[4‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)phenyl]‐10H‐phenothiazin‐10‐yl}biphenyl‐4‐carboxylic acid ( PTZ2 ) were developed. Owing to their tuned and negative‐shifted HOMO levels (vs. NHE), they were used as HC coadsorbents in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to improve cell performance through desired cascade‐type hole‐transfer processes. Their detailed functions as HC coadsorbents in DSSCs were investigated to obtain evidence for the desired cascade‐type hole‐transfer processes. They have multiple functions, such as preventing π–π stacking of dye molecules, harvesting light of shorter wavelengths, and faster dye regeneration. By using PTZ2 as the tailor‐made HC coadsorbent on the TiO₂ surface with the organic dye NKX2677, an extremely high conversion efficiency of 8.95 % was achieved under 100 mW cm^?2 AM 1.5G simulated light (short‐circuit current J_SC=16.56 mA cm^?2, open‐circuit voltage V_OC=740 mV, and fill factor of 73 %). Moreover, J_SC was increased by 13 %, V_OC by 27 % and power‐conversion efficiency by 49 % in comparison to an NKX2677‐based DSSC without an HC coadsorbent. This is due to the HC coadsorbent having a HOMO energy level well matched to that of the NKX‐2677 dye to induce the desired cascade‐type hole‐transfer processes, which are associated with a slower charge recombination, fast dye regeneration, effective screening of liquid electrolytes, and an induced negative shift of the quasi‐Fermi level of the electrode. Thus, this new class of Y‐shaped, low molecular weight, organic, HC coadsorbents based on phenothiazine carboxylic acid derivatives hold promise for highly efficient organic DSSCs.     

Enhancement of photocurrent of polymer‐gelled dye‐sensitized solar cell by incorporation of exfoliated montmorillonite nanoplatelets

Poly(n‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and its nanocomposite with exfoliated montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared by soap‐free emulsion polymerization and individually applied to gel the electrolyte systems for the dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Each exfoliated MMT nanoplatelet had a thickness of ～ 1 nm, carried ～ 1.8 cation/nm², and acted like a two‐dimensional electrolyte. The DSSC with the LiI/I₂/tertiary butylpyridine electrolyte system gelled by this polymer nanocomposite had higher short‐circuit current density (J_sc) compared to that gelled by the neat PNIPAAm. The former has a J_sc of 12.6 mA/cm², an open circuit voltage (V_oc) of 0.73 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 0.59, which harvested 5.4% electricity conversion efficiency (η) under AM 1.5 irradiation at 100 mW/cm², whereas the latter has J_sc = 7.28 mA/cm², V_oc = 0.72 V, FF = 0.60, and η = 3.17%. IPCE of the nanocomposite‐gelled DSSC were also improved. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the DSSCs revealed that the nanocomposite‐gelled electrolytes significantly decreased the impedances in three major electric current paths of DSSCs, that is, the resistance of electrolytes and electric contacts, impedance across the electrolytes/dye‐coated TiO₂ interface, and Nernstian diffusion within the electrolytes. The results were also consistent with the increased molar conductivity of nanocomposite‐gelled electrolytes. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 47–53, 2008     

Low‐cost Nickel Complex Dye‐sensitized Titania Nanoparticle/nanotube Composites for Solar Cells

In this work, high‐performance dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on new low‐cost visible nickel complex dye (VisDye), TiO₂ nanoparticle/nanotube composites electrodes, carbon nanoparticles counter electrodes, and ionic liquids electrolytes have been fabricated. The electronic structure, optical spectroscopy, and electrochemical properties of the VisDye were studied. Experimental results indicate that it is beneficial to improve the electron transport and power conversion efficiency using the nickel complex VisDye and TiO₂ nanoparticle/nanotube composites. Under optimized conditions, the solar energy conversion efficiencies were measured. The short‐circuit current density (J_SC), the open‐circuit voltage (V_OC), the fill factor (FF), and the overall efficiency (η) of the DSSCs are 10.01 mA/cm², 516 mV, 0.68, and 3.52%, respectively. This study demonstrates that the combination of new VisDye with TiO₂ nanoparticle/nanotube composites electrodes and carbon nanoparticles counter electrodes provide a way to fabricate highly efficient dye‐sensitized solar cells in low‐cost production.     

Enhanced Performance of Organic Photovoltaic Cells Fabricated with a Methyl Thiophene‐3‐Carboxylate‐Containing Alternating Conjugated Copolymer

A new donor‐acceptor copolymer, containing benzodithiophene (BDT) and methyl thiophene‐3‐carboxylate (3MT) units, is designed and synthesized for polymer solar cells (PSCs). The 3MT unit is used as an electron acceptor unit in this copolymer to provide a lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level for obtaining polymer solar cells with a higher open‐circuit voltage (V_OC). The resulting bulk heterojunction PSC made of the copolymer and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC₇₁BM) exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 4.52%, a short circuit current (J_SC) of 10.5 mA·cm‐², and a V_OC of 0.86 V.     

D–π–A–π–A Strategy to Design Benzothiadiazole–carbazole‐based Conjugated Polymer with High Solar Cell Voltage and Enhanced Photocurrent

The theoretical calculations are used to find that D–π–A–π–A style conjugated polymer PC‐TBTBT is more efficient for solar cells application than the D–π–A analog PC‐TBT because the D–π–A–π–A structure has a narrower band gap and higher molar absorption coefficient and redshift spectrum. Motivated by the theoretical prediction, 5,6‐bis(octyloxy)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole and 2,7‐carbazole are adopted to synthesize the D–π–A–π–A style PC‐TBTBT (M_w = 31.1 kDa) and D–π–A analog PC‐TBT (M_w = 87.5 kDa) by Suzuki coupling reaction. Experimental results confirm that D–π–A–π–A PC‐TBTBT ‐based solar cell shows a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.74% with high V_OC of 0.99 V and enhanced J_SC of 9.70 mA cm⁻². The PCE and J_SC achieve improvements of 17% and 26%, respectively, compared to the D–π–A PC‐TBT ‐based solar cell.

     

Two main chain polymeric metal complexes as dye sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells based on the coordination of the ligand containing 8‐hydroxyquinoline and phenylethyl or fluorene units with Eu(III)

Two novel main chain polymeric metal complexes containing 8‐hydroxyquinoline europium complexes and phenylethyl or fluorene units: 1,4‐Dioctyloxy‐2,5‐bis[2‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline)‐vinyl]‐benzene Eu(III) (3) and 2,7‐bis[2‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline)‐vinyl]‐9,9′‐diocthylfluorene Eu(III) (4) with donor–acceptor‐π‐conjugated structure (D‐π‐A) have been synthesized and investigated as dye sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells dyes (DSSCs). They have been determined and studied by FT‐IR, TGA, DSC, GPC, Elemental analysis, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and application in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as dye sensitizers. On the basis of optimized dye and molecular structure, they have shown solar‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency 2.25% for 3 (J_sc = 4.77 mA cm^?2, V_oc = 630 mV, FF = 0.75) and 3.04% for 4 (J_sc = 6.33 mA cm^?2, V_oc = 640 mV, FF = 0.75), under the illumination of AM1.5G, 100 mW/cm². The IPCE of 3 and 4 are 30% and 46% at 400 nm, respectively. Besides, they showed good stabilities with thermal decomposition temperatures at 280 °C and 225 °C, respectively, which are suitable for DSSCs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 1943–1951, 2010     

Benzo[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐based low‐bandgap polymers for photovoltaic applications

The synthesis of four alternating copolymers using benzo[2,1‐b;3,4‐b′]dithiophene (BDP) as the common donor unit is presented. Before the synthesis, theoretical calculations that we performed predicted that the incorporation of BDP, which consists of fused dithiophene units with a benzene ring, into these polymers would produce a low‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level. Low‐lying HOMO levels are desirable to produce high open circuit voltages (V_OC) in organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photovoltaic devices. The polymers' structural characterization, as well as the preliminary results of their performance in BHJ devices, using (6,6)‐phenyl C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester as the electron acceptor, is presented. The V_OC values follow the expected trend: increasing with decreasing HOMO level of the polymer. High V_OC values of 0.81 and 0.82 V have been obtained from two polymers: PBDPBT and PBDPDPP. The initial power conversion efficiency achieved in these unoptimized devices was 1.11% because of relatively low J_SC values. The variation observed in the J_SC values between the four polymers is discussed. Device performance is expected to increase with optimization of processing conditions for the devices. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Synthesis and characterization of low‐bandgap cyclopentadithiophene‐biselenophene copolymer and its use in field‐effect transistor and polymer solar cells

Novel series of conjugated copolymers, incorporating cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) and the biselenophene ( R‐CPDT‐Se2 ), were synthesized by Pd‐catalyzed Stille coupling polymerization. The optical, electrochemical, field‐effect carrier mobilities, and photovoltaic properties of the R‐CPDT‐Se2 were investigated and compared with cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT) and the bithiophene ( EHex‐CPDT‐T2 ). The highest hole mobility of thin film transistor devices fabricated with new p‐type polymer semiconductors, Oct‐CPDT‐Se2 , was 1.3 × 10^?3 cm²/Vs with an on/off ratio of about 10⁵. The maximum power conversion efficiency of polymer solar cell fabricated with the blend of EHex‐CPDT‐Se2 /C₇₁‐PCBM reached 1.86% with an open circuit voltage (V_OC) of 0.55 V, a short circuit current density (J_sc) of 7.27 mA/cm², and a fill factor (FF) of 0.47 under AM 1.5G irradiation (100 mW/cm²). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2009     

Anthracene‐Containing Wide‐Band‐Gap Conjugated Polymers for High‐Open‐Circuit‐Voltage Polymer Solar Cells

The synthesis, characterization, and photophysical and photovoltaic properties of two anthracene‐containing wide‐band‐gap donor and acceptor (D–A) alternating conjugated polymers ( P1 and P2 ) are described. These two polymers absorb in the range of 300–600 nm with a band gap of about 2.12 eV. Polymer solar cells with P1 :PC₇₁BM as the active layer demonstrate a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.23% with a high V_oc of 0.96 V, a J_sc of 4.4 mA cm⁻², and a comparable fill factor (FF) of 0.53 under simulated solar illumination of AM 1.5 G (100 mW cm⁻²). In addition, P2 :PC₇₁BM blend‐based solar cells exhibit a PCE of 1.42% with a comparable V_oc of 0.89 V, a J_sc of 3.0 mA cm⁻², and an FF of 0.53.