Isomerically pure electron-deficient anthradithiophenes and their acceptor performance in polymer solar cells

Amide functionalized anthradithiophenes (ADTs) play active acceptor roles in polymer bulk-heterojunction solar cells. The first separation of ADT isomers is reported, and the regio-chemistry of the ADT has significant impact on crystal packing and solar cell performance. Cell efficiency up to 0.80%, due in large part to high open-circuit voltage (V-OC > 1.0 V), is achieved in bulk-heterojunction solar cells comprising syn-ADT and poly(3-hexylthiophene).