Optically tunable intramolecular charge transfer dyes for vacuum deposited bulk heterojunction solar cells

We present the tunability of the photophysical and electrochemical properties of a series of intramolecular charge transfer compounds by facile molecular design and synthesis. The photovoltaic performances based on these sublimable materials and C-60 bulk heterojunction cells are compared and reported. The structural modification of the charge transfer dyes altered not only the electronic properties, but also the morphology of the bulk heterojunction thin films, as revealed by AFM and SEM studies. Addition of PEDOT: PSS between the ITO and the photoactive layer improved the hole injection from the photosensitizer into the anode, and the overall power conversion efficiency is also enhanced.