Acceptor–donor–acceptor small molecules based on derivatives of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene for solution processed organic solar cells

Antwi, B.Y., Taylor, R.G.D., Cameron, J. , Owoare, R.B., Kingsford-Adaboh, R. and Skabara, P.J. (2016) Acceptor–donor–acceptor small molecules based on derivatives of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene for solution processed organic solar cells. RSC Advances, 6(101), pp. 98797-98803. (doi: 10.1039/C6RA22897F)

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Abstract

Three simple semiconducting acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A) small molecules based on an electron-rich (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) EDOT central core have been synthesised (DIN-2TE, DRH-2TE, DECA-2TE) and characterised. Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices incorporating these materials have been prepared and evaluated. The physical properties of the molecules were characterised by TGA, DSC, UV/vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The optical HOMO–LUMO energy gaps of the molecules in the solid state were in the range 1.57–1.82 eV, and in solution 1.88–2.04 eV. Electrochemical HOMO–LUMO energy gaps determined by cyclic voltammetry were found to be in the range 1.97–2.31 eV. The addition of 1% 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) to photoactive blends of the A–D–A molecules and PC71BM more than doubled the power conversion efficiency (PCE) in the case of DRH-2TE:PC71BM devices to 1.36%.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Cameron, Dr Joseph and Skabara, Professor Peter
Authors: Antwi, B.Y., Taylor, R.G.D., Cameron, J., Owoare, R.B., Kingsford-Adaboh, R., and Skabara, P.J.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:RSC Advances
Publisher:Royal Society of Chemistry
ISSN:2046-2069
ISSN (Online):2046-2069
Published Online:10 October 2016
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 The Royal Society of Chemistry
First Published:First published in RSC Advances 6(101):98797-98803
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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