While significant research has been devoted to increasing the power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of organic photovoltaics (OPVs), most improvements have been realized through 'top-down' approaches or materials processing optimization.  Reported here is enhanced performance in a small molecule bulk heterojunction OPV device by programming the p-conjugated electron donor component with the ability to self-assemble through a specific hydrogen bonding motif and p-stacking.  The photophysical (UV-Vis) and electrochemical (CV/DPV) properties of the donor molecule and its non-assembling congener are nearly identical when dispersed in solution, but differ significantly in the bulk and in vapor-deposited thin films.  OPV devices prepared from the molecules blended with C60 reveal improved charge transport and a three-fold increase in PCE for the donor system capable of self-assembly.  The donor assembly structure has been independently characterized in the solution (variable temperature NMR and DOSY) and solid phase (powder XRD, TGA/DSC, FT-IR).

Improved performance in a small molecule organic photovoltaic device by supramolecular design

245th National Meeting (2013)

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