Thermally cross-linkable fluorene-based hole transporting materials: synthesis, characterization, and application in perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells are among the most promising photovoltaic technologies in academia and have the potential to become commercially available in the near future. However, there are still a few unresolved issues regarding device lifetime and fabrication cost of perovskite solar cells in order to be competitive with existing technologies. Herein, we report small organic molecules with introduced vinyl groups as hole transporting materials, which are capable of undergoing thermal polymerization, forming solvent-resistant 3D networks. Novel compounds have been synthesized from relatively inexpensive starting materials and their purification is less time-consuming when compared to polymers; therefore this type of hole transporter can be a promising alternative to lower the manufacturing cost of perovskite solar cells.

Automated summary

Perovskite solar cells are a promising photovoltaic technology that may soon be available commercially. However, unresolved issues surrounding their lifetime and fabrication cost hinder their competitiveness with existing technologies. To address this, we have developed small organic molecules with vinyl groups as hole transporting materials that can undergo thermal polymerization, forming solvent-resistant 3D networks. These novel compounds, synthesized from inexpensive starting materials, offer a potential alternative to reduce the manufacturing cost of perovskite solar cells by simplifying the purification process.