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.