Fullerene derivative acceptors for high performance polymer solar cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Electronics
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Polymer solar cells (PSCs) utilize conjugated polymer donors and fullerene acceptors.
• PC60BM and PC70BM are established fullerene acceptors in PSCs.
• Improving PSC efficiency requires novel acceptor materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent progress in new fullerene derivative acceptors for PSCs.
• To highlight fullerene derivatives with enhanced properties like higher LUMO levels and solubility.
• To discuss the synthesis and properties of key fullerene acceptors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on fullerene derivative acceptors.
• Analysis of synthesis and physicochemical properties of novel fullerene acceptors.
• Comparison of new derivatives with established materials like PC60BM and PC70BM.

Main Results:

• Several new series of fullerene derivatives have been developed.
• These derivatives exhibit higher LUMO energy levels and improved solubility.
• Specific examples include PC60BM-like C60 derivatives, bisadducts, and endohedral fullerenes.

Conclusions:

• New fullerene derivatives represent a significant advancement in PSC acceptor materials.
• These materials hold promise for further improving PSC power conversion efficiency.
• Continued research into fullerene chemistry is crucial for next-generation solar cells.