Panchromatic terthiophenyl-benzodithiophene conjugated porphyrin donor for efficient organic solar cells

Two intermediate-sized acceptor-pi-porphyrin-pi-acceptor-type molecules MPor1 and MPor2 with panchromatic absorption profiles have been developed towards improving photovoltaic performance. The conjugation of terthiophenyl-benzodithiophene to the porphyrin center successfully fills the absorption gap between the Soret and Q bands of the conventional porphyrin molecules and leads to narrow optical bandgaps within 1.58-1.60 eV. The two molecules possess excellent light-harvesting property within the UV-visible-near-infrared region, and efficient hole-electron separation in the bulk heterojunction layer with PC71BM as the acceptor. Conventional solar cells based on the MPor1/PC71BM active layer shows an optimal performance with a power conversion efficiency of 8.59% and a short circle current of 14.91 mA cm(-2).

Automated summary

The development of intermediate-sized acceptor-pi-porphyrin-pi-acceptor-type molecules MPor1 and MPor2 with panchromatic absorption profiles aims to enhance photovoltaic performance. These molecules successfully bridge the absorption gap between conventional porphyrin molecules, resulting in narrow optical bandgaps and demonstrating excellent light-harvesting properties and efficient charge separation. Solar cells utilizing MPor1/PC71BM active layer exhibit optimal performance with a power conversion efficiency of 8.59% and a short circuit current of 14.91 mA cm(-2).