Exploring fullerene derivatives for optoelectronic applications: synthesis and characterization study

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) require efficient electron transport layers (ETLs) for optimal performance.
• Fullerene derivatives are commonly used as ETLs, but solubility and substrate interaction can be limiting factors.
• Novel molecular designs are needed to improve ETL properties in wet-processed PSCs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and investigate novel dihydrofuran-fused C60 fullerene derivatives (compounds 13, 14, and 15).
• To evaluate their solubility, film-forming properties, and electrochemical characteristics for PSC applications.
• To assess the impact of sugar units on material properties compared to existing fullerene derivatives.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of three novel fullerene derivatives.
• Solubility testing in common organic solvents.
• Thin film deposition and surface characterization.
• Electrochemical property analysis, including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Main Results:

• The synthesized fullerene derivatives (13, 14, 15) exhibited excellent solubility.
• Comparative analysis showed potential advantages over phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and precursor compound 12.
• EIS measurements provided insights into charge transfer dynamics at the electrode/electrolyte interface.

Conclusions:

• The novel fullerene derivatives demonstrate significant potential as electron transport layers (ETLs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs).
• Their enhanced solubility and favorable interfacial properties make them suitable for wet-processed PSC fabrication.
• These compounds represent promising advancements for next-generation photovoltaic technologies.