Perylenemonoimide-subphthalocyanine derivatives: Synthesis, characterization and photovoltaic performance as non-fullerene acceptors in bulk heterojunction solar cells

Imide-based Subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) is gaining momentum as non-fullerene acceptors in organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein we report the synthesis, characterization, and photovoltaic performance of Perylenemonoimide (PMI)-SubPc conjugates in which the PMI is linked to the SubPc core by either alkynes or direct C-C bond. These derivatives are prepared via palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The introduction of PMI units results in a red-shifted absorption, which can be described as the combination of the absorption properties of both SubPc and PMIs fragments. The absorption spectra are thus mainly composed of two transitions, one derived from the SubPc Q-band and the other from transitions within the PMI moieties. These PMI-SubPc systems exhibit moderate acceptor properties and therefore their use as non-fullerene acceptors in bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells is briefly explored.

Automated summary

Imide-based Subphthalocyanines (SubPcs) have been synthesized and their photovoltaic performance as non-fullerene acceptors in organic solar cells has been studied. The introduction of PMI units results in a red-shifted absorption, combining the absorption properties of SubPc and PMIs fragments.