Issue 37, 2024

Conjugated polymers of an oxa[5]helicene-derived polycyclic heteroaromatic: tailoring energy levels and compatibility for high-performance perovskite solar cells

Abstract

In the quest to enhance the efficiency and durability of n–i–p perovskite solar cells (PSCs), engineering hole-transporting conjugated polymers with well-matched energy levels, exceptional film-forming properties, rapid hole transport, and superior moduli is paramount. Here, we present a novel approach involving the customization of a conjugated polymer, designated as p-DTPF4-EBEH, comprising alternating units of an oxa[5]helicene-based polycyclic heteroaromatic (DTPF4) and 5,5′-(2,5-di(hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene)bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (EBEH), synthesized through palladium-catalyzed direct arylation. Relative to homopolymers p-DTPF4 and p-EBEH, p-DTPF4-EBEH demonstrates a proper HOMO energy level, hole density, and hole mobility, alongside superior film-forming capabilities. Remarkably, compared to the commonly used hole transport material spiro-OMeTAD, p-DTPF4-EBEH not only exhibits superior film-forming property and hole mobility but also offers increased modulus and improved waterproofing. Incorporating p-DTPF4-EBEH as the hole transport material in PSCs results in an average power conversion efficiency of 25.8%, surpassing the 24.3% achieved with spiro-OMeTAD. Importantly, devices utilizing p-DTPF4-EBEH demonstrate enhanced thermal storage stability at 85 °C, along with operational robustness.

Graphical abstract: Conjugated polymers of an oxa[5]helicene-derived polycyclic heteroaromatic: tailoring energy levels and compatibility for high-performance perovskite solar cells

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
26 iyn 2024
Accepted
06 avq 2024
First published
28 avq 2024
This article is Open Access

All publication charges for this article have been paid for by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Creative Commons BY-NC license

Chem. Sci., 2024,15, 15263-15273

Conjugated polymers of an oxa[5]helicene-derived polycyclic heteroaromatic: tailoring energy levels and compatibility for high-performance perovskite solar cells

Y. Cai, Y. Zhang, L. Fang, Y. Ren, J. Zhang, Y. Yuan, J. Zhang and P. Wang, Chem. Sci., 2024, 15, 15263 DOI: 10.1039/D4SC04244A

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