Unveiling the nature of supramolecular crown ether–C60 interactions

A series of exTTF-(crown ether)2 receptors, designed to host C60, has been prepared. The size of the crown ether and the nature of the heteroatoms have been systematically changed to fine tune the association constants, which were determined by a number of complementary spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemical measurements and transient absorption spectroscopy assisted in corroborating charge transfer in the ground state and in the excited state, leading to the formation of radical ion pairs featuring lifetimes in the range from 12 to 21 ps. To rationalize the nature of the exTTF-(crown ether)2$C60 stabilizing interactions, theoretical calculations have been carried out, suggesting a syner…

New concepts and applications in macromolecular chemistry of fullerenes

A new classification on the different types of fullerene-containing polymers is presented according to their different properties and applications they exhibit in a variety of fields. Because of their interest and novelty, water-soluble and biodegradable C(60)-polymers are discussed first, followed by polyfullerene-based membranes where unprecedented supramolecular structures are presented. Next are compounds that involve hybrid materials formed from fullerenes and other components such as silica, DNA, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) where the most recent advances have been achieved. A most relevant topic is still that of C(60)-based donor-acceptor (D-A) polymers. Since their application in pho…

Carbon Nanotubes Conjugated with Triazole-Based Tetrathiafulvalene-Type Receptors for C60 Recognition

Fullerene receptors prepared by a twofold CuI -catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction with -extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) have been covalently linked to singlewalled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The nanoconjugates obtained were characterized by several analytical, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques (TEM, FTIR, Raman, TGA and XPS), and evaluated as C60 receptors by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The complexation between the exTTF-triazole receptor in the free state and C60 was also studied by UV-Vis and 1 H NMR titrations, and compared with analogous triazole-based tweezer-type receptors containing the electron-acceptor 11,11,12,12-t…

Fullerene polymers: synthesis and properties

Dumbbell-Shaped Dinuclear Iridium Complexes and Their Application to Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells

A novel family of dumbbell- shaped dinuclear complexes in which an oligophenyleneethynylene spacer is linked to two heteroleptic iridiumA complexes is presented. The synthesis, as well as the electrochemical and pho- tophysical characterization of the new complexes, is reported. The experimen- tal results are interpreted with the help of density functional theory calcula- tions. From these studies we conclude that the lowest triplet excited state cor- responds to a 3 p-p* state located on the conjugated spacer. The presence of this state below the 3 MLCT/ 3 LLCT emitting states of the end-capping Ir III complexes explains the low quantum yields observed for the dinuclear com- plexes (one or…

Acene-type donors bearing one 1,3-dithiole ring

Abstract A series of acene-type donors bearing only one 1,3-dithiole ring have been synthesized by following a Wittig-Horner reaction from 7 H -benz[ d,e ]anthracen-7-one and several phosphonate esters. The excellent donor properties have been studied using both experimental techniques and quantum-chemical calculations and reveal that the extraction of the first electron in the oxidation process occurs from the dithiole ring (0.42 e) and the acene unit (0.58 e).

Tetrasubstituted Thieno[3,2- b]thiophenes as Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells

Three hole-transporting materials (HTMs) were prepared following a straightforward synthetic route by cross-linking arylamine-based ligands with a simple thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (TbT) core. The novel HTMs were fully characterized with standard techniques to gain insight into their optical and electrochemical properties and were incorporated in solution-processed mesoporous (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 perovskite-based solar cells. The similar molecular structure of the synthesized HTMs was leveraged to investigate the role that the bridging units between the conjugated TbT core and the peripheral arylamine units plays on their properties and thereby on the photovoltaic response. A remarkable po…

High-Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells using Molecularly-Engineered, Thiophene-Rich,Hole-Transporting Materials: Influence of Alkyl Chain Length on Power Conversion Efficiency

The synthesis and characterization of a series of novel small-molecule hole-transporting materials (HTMs) based on an anthra[1,2-b:4,3-b′:5,6-b′′:8,7-b′′′]tetrathiophene (ATT) core are reported. The new compounds follow an easy synthetic route and have no need of expensive purification steps. The novel HTMs were tested in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to 18.1 % under 1 sun irradiation were 2 measured. This value is comparable with the 17.8 % efficiency obtained using spiroOMeTAD as a reference compound. Similarly, a significant quenching of the Photoluminescence in the first nanosecond is observed, indicative of effective hole transfer.Additiona…

Understanding the affinity of bis-exTTF macrocyclic receptors towards fullerene recognition

A new series of fullerene receptors based on exTTF macrocycles with alkyl ether chains of increasing length is reported. The novel macrocyclic receptors are able to favourably interact with fullerene C60 through a synergistic combination of π–π, CH⋯π and n⋯π noncovalent interactions. We identify that the highest affinity towards C60 recognition is achieved for the host with the tightest fit; that is, the smallest receptor with a cavity large enough to host the buckyball inside (log Ka = 5.2 in chlorobenzene at 298 K). However, besides this expected observation, theoretical calculations evidence that the most stable self-assembling configuration corresponds for all the receptors to an outsid…

Polymer solar cells with novel fullerene-based acceptor

Abstract Alternative acceptor materials are possible candidates to improve the optical absorption and/or the open circuit voltage of polymer–fullerene solar cells. We studied a novel fullerene-type acceptor, DPM-12, for application in polymer–fullerene bulk heterojunction photovoltaic devices. Though DPM-12 has the identical redox potentials as methanofullerene PCBM, surprisingly high open circuit voltages in the range V OC =0.95 V were measured for OC 1 C 10 -PPV:DPM-12-based samples. The potential for photovoltaic application was studied by means of photovoltaic characterization of solar cells including current–voltage measurements and external quantum yield spectroscopy. Further studies …

Rhodanine-based dyes absorbing in the entire visible spectrum

A series of new broad-absorbing dyes based on rhodanine derivatives conjugated with triarylamines using Q5 a fluorene backbone was synthesized. Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterizations, along with theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/cc-pVDZ level, revealed interesting properties of the dyes, which make the dyes efficiently absorb in the entire visible spectrum.

Donor-Acceptor Polythiophene Copolymers with Tunable Acceptor content for Photoelectric Conversion Devices

The synthesis and characterization of a new series of substituted polythiophenes containing an electron acceptor anthraquinone moiety in the side chain are reported. The acceptor molar content was varied by the co-polymerization of both alkylthiophene and thiophene bearing anthraquinone monomers in different ratios. NMR analysis shows a good correlation between the monomer feed composition at the beginning of the polymerization and the actual unit composition of the backbone. The conjugation length and the chemical composition of the copolymers as a function of the molecular weight have been studied by size exclusion chromatography. Small angle X-ray scattering and UV-Vis absorption spectra…

Mono- and Tripodal Porphyrins: Investigation on the Influence of the Number of Pyrene Anchors in Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Hybrids.

A series of molecular precursors, containing one (1 and 3) or three (2 and 4) pyrene anchors, covalently linked to porphyrins (free base or Zn), were prepared and characterized. All of them enable ...

Fullerene-Containing Polymers: An Overview

Isomerism effect on the photovoltaic properties of benzotrithiophene-based hole-transporting materials

Engineering of inorganic–organic lead halide perovskites for photovoltaic applications has experienced significant advances in recent years. However, the use of the relatively expensive spiro-OMeTAD as a hole-transporting material (HTM) poses a challenge due to dopant-induced degradation. Herein we introduce two new three-armed and four-armed HTMs (BTT-4 and BTT-5) based on isomeric forms of benzotrithiophene (BTT). The isomerism impact on the optical, electrochemical and photophysical properties and the photovoltaic performance is systematically investigated. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) using BTT-4 and BTT-5 as HTMs show remarkable light-to-energy conversion efficiencies of 19.0% and 18.…

Dibenzoquinquethiophene- and Dibenzosexithiophene-Based Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells

Fused oligothiophene-based π-conjugated organic derivatives have been widely used in electronic devices. In particular, two-dimensional (2D) heteroarenes offer the possibility of broadening the scope by extending the π-conjugated framework, which endows enhanced charge transport properties due to the potential intermolecular π–π stacking. Here, the synthesis and characterization of two new small-molecule hole-transporting materials (HTMs) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are reported. The newly custom-made compounds are based on dibenzoquinquethiophene (DBQT) and dibenzosexithiophene (DBST) cores, which are covalently linked to triphenylamine moieties to successfully afford the four-armed …

Controlled Self-Assembly of Electron Donor Nanotubes

We employ a combination of urea-urea hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking interactions to obtain soluble self-assembled nanotubes decorated with electron-donor TTF derivatives on the periphery. We have investigated the structure and stability of the nanotubes with a combination of experiments and high-level DFT calculations. We also demonstrate that the association process can be controlled by changes in the hydrogen-bonding ability of the solvent and electrochemically.

Concave Tetrathiafulvalene-Type Donors as Supramolecular Partners for Fullerenes

The cap fits! A new class of concave π-extended tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) derivatives, truxene-TTFs, were prepared and characterized, and their self-assembly with fullerenes was investigated (see picture). Truxene-TTFs represent the first example of TTF-related electron donors that serve, without chemical modification, as monotopic receptors for fullerenes in solution. (Chemical Equation Presented). © 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Weighting non-covalent forces in the molecular recognition of C60. Relevance of concave–convex complementarity

The relative contributions of several weak intermolecular forces to the overall stability of the complexes formed between structurally related receptors and [60]fullerene are compared, revealing a discernible contribution from concave–convex complementarity. Viruela Martin, Pedro Manuel, Pedro.M.Viruela@uv.es ; Viruela Martin, Rafael, Rafael.Viruela@uv.es ; Orti Guillen, Enrique, Enrique.Orti@uv.es

Long lived photoinduced charges in donor-acceptor anthraquinone substituted thiophene copolymers

The photoinduced charge-transfer properties of a series of polyalkylthiophene copolymers, carrying anthraquinone substituents covalently linked to the conjugated backbone, have been studied in the solid state by photoinduced absorption (PA) and light-induced electron spin resonance (LESR) spectroscopy. The measurements indicate the formation of metastable charges arising from the photoinduced electron transfer from the polythiophene backbone to the anthraquinone moieties. At low temperatures (below 200 K), long-lived persistent charges are formed, exhibiting lifetimes that extend for several minutes; their recombination kinetics has been studied by following the formation and decay of the P…

Titelbild: Electron Transfer in a Supramolecular Associate of a Fullerene Fragment (Angew. Chem. 8/2014)

Donor-π-Acceptor Species Derived from Functionalised 1,3-Dithiol-2-ylidene Anthracene Donor Units Exhibiting Photoinduced Electron Transfer Properties: Spectroscopic, Electrochemical, X-Ray Crystallographic and Theoretical Studies

Steric interactions between the anthraquinoid core and the 1,3-dithiole and dicyanomethylene groups play a key role in determining the physical properties of system 1. The intramolecular charge transfer properties of this donor–π-acceptor species have been explored and cyclic voltammetric data, X-ray crystal structures and ab initio calculations are also reported.

Supramolecular assembly of pyrene-tetrathiafulvalene hybrids on graphene: Structure-property relationships and biosensing activity

Two different molecular receptors (1 and 2) incorporating one and three pyrene units to promote the π–π interaction with the basal plane of graphene are reported. In order to modulate the electronic properties of graphene, the new receptors are endowed with an electron-donor tetrathiafulvalene moiety (exTTF). The resulting non-covalent hybrids have been characterized by different analytical, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques (TGA, Raman, UV-Vis absorption, TEM and XPS), and the supramolecular interaction of the molecular systems with graphene has been investigated by theoretical calculations. The electrochemical behavior of the pyrene-exTTF hybrids onto distinct graphene-based materi…

The Role of Planarity versus Nonplanarity in the Electronic Communication of TCAQ-Based Push–Pull Chromophores

Donor-acceptor-substituted alkynes, endowed with 11,11,12,12-tetracyano-9,10-anthraquinodimethane (TCAQ) and N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) units, have been further functionalized by a [2+2] cycloaddition with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) followed by a subsequent retro-electrocyclization to form distorted nonplanar structures with bridging 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobuta-1,3-diene (TCBD) units. Comprehensive spectroscopic, electrochemical, and computational studies have been carried out to compare the electronic communication in planar (alkyne bridges) and nonplanar (TCBD bridges) TCAQ-based push-pull chromophores. Cyclic voltammetry and UV/Vis absorption measurements confirm the electronic communication be…

Bowl-shape electron donors with absorptions in the visible range of the solar spectrum and their supramolecular assemblies with C 60

We describe the synthesis, electronic, optical and photophysical properties of a family of three electron-donor bowl-shaped organic molecules that absorb light in the whole range of the visible spectrum (up to 800 nm in one case), and associate C60 in solution with binding constants in the range of 104–102 M−1 as measured from both UV-vis and fluorescence titrations in several solvents. These molecules are π-extended derivatives of tetrathiafulvalene, based on a truxene core to which two or three units of dithiole are covalently attached. The inclusion of the bulky dithiole groups is responsible for their bowl-shape geometry, which allows them to associate with C60, and their electron-donor…

Carbon Nanostructures: Covalent and Macromolecular Chemistry

The aim of this introductory chapter is to bring to the attention of the readers the achievements made in the chemistry of carbon nanostructures and, mostly, in the chemistry of fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and the most recent graphenes. Since the discovery of fullerenes in 1985 and their further preparation in multigram amounts, the chemistry and reactivity of thesemolecular carbon allotropes have been well established. Actually, this chemical reactivity has been used as a benchmark for further studies carried out in the coming carbon nanotubes (single andmultiple wall) and graphenes. Assuming that the fundamental chemistry of fullerenes is known and basically corresponds to that o…

Cover Picture: Electron Transfer in a Supramolecular Associate of a Fullerene Fragment (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 8/2014)

Synthesis and optoelectronic properties of chemically modified bi-fluorenylidenes

The development of new light harvesting materials is a key issue for the progress of the research on organic & hybrid photovoltaics. Here, we report a new class of organic sensitizers based on the bi-fluorenylidene moiety as π-linker within the donor–π-linker–acceptor (D–π–A) scheme. The new dyes are endowed with electron donor and electron acceptor units at strategic positions in order to improve their electronic and light-harvesting properties. The comprehensive study of these compounds through the use of different experimental and theoretical techniques, provides an in-depth understanding of their electronic and photophysical properties, and reveal their interest as photovoltaic material…

Selenophene-Based Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells

Two novel and simple donor-π-bridge-donor (D-π-D) hole-transporting materials (HTMs) containing two units of the p-methoxytriphenylamine (TPA) electron donor group covalently bridged by means of the 3,4-dimethoxyselenophene spacer through single and triple bonds are reported. The optoelectronic and thermal properties of the new selenium-containing HTMs have been determined using standard experimental techniques and theoretical density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The selenium-based HTMs have been incorporated in mesoporous perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in combination with the triple-cation perovskite [(FAPbI3 )0.87 (MAPbBr3 )0.13 ]0.92 [CsPbI3 ]0.08 . Limited values of power conver…

Quinonoid π-extended tetrathiafulvalenes (TTFs)

Publisher Summary Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) is a fascinating planar πelectron-donor molecule with a broad range of potential applications. TTF and its derivatives play an important role in the field of organic conductors forming charge-transfer (CT) complexes and radical cation salts (Bechgaard salts) with a huge variety of electron-acceptor molecules and anions in the search for electrically conducting and superconducting materials. The chapter focuses on highly π-extended electron donors with p-quinodimethane structures as interesting precursors of materials with non-conventional properties. The first dimeric examples of π-extended TTF derivatives connected through an oxygen atom are also …

Buckyballs

Buckyballs represent a new and fascinating molecular allotropic form of carbon that has received a lot of attention by the chemical community during the last two decades. The unabating interest on this singular family of highly strained carbon spheres has allowed the establishing of the fundamental chemical reactivity of these carbon cages and, therefore, a huge variety of fullerene derivatives involving [60] and [70]fullerenes, higher fullerenes, and endohedral fullerenes have been prepared. Much less is known, however, of the chemistry of the uncommon non-IPR fullerenes which currently represent a scientific curiosity and which could pave the way to a range of new fullerenes. In this revi…

Main-Chain and Side-Chain C60-Polymers

Influence of the intermediate density-of-states occupancy on open-circuit voltage of bulk heterojunction solar cells with different fullerene acceptors

Electron density of states (DOS) and recombination kinetics of bulk heterojunction solar cells consisting of a poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) donor and two fullerene acceptors, either [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) or 4,4′-dihexyloxydiphenylmethano[60]fullerene (DPM6), have been determined by means of impedance spectroscopy. The observed difference of 125 mV in the output open-circuit voltage is attributed to significant differences of the occupancy of the DOS in both fullerenes. Whereas DPM6 exhibits a full occupation of the electronic band, occupancy is restricted to the tail of the DOS in the case of PCBM-based devices, implying a higher rise of the Fermi level in the D…

ExTTF-Based Dyes Absorbing over the Whole Visible Spectrum

International audience; New push−pull dyes featuring π-extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) as the donor group and tricyanofuran (TCF) as the acceptor group were synthesized and characterized. Their broad absorption covers the entire visible spectral range and enters the near-infrared region. Electrochemistry and theoretical calculations provided an understanding of these singular electronic properties. The new dyes are appealing candidates as light harvesters in photovoltaic devices.

Tetrathiafulvalene-based molecular nanowires.

A new molecular wire suitably functionalized with sulfur atoms at terminal positions and endowed with a central redox active TTF unit has been synthesized and inserted within two atomic-sized Au electrodes; electrical transport measurements have been performed in STM and MCBJ set-ups in a liquid environment and reveal conductance values around 10(-2) G0 for a single molecule.

Aminopyrimidine-Based Donor–Acceptor Chromophores: Push–Pull versus Aromatic Behaviour

Novel 2-aminopyrimidines substituted with two electron-donor dialkylamino groups and either one dicyanovinyl (4a–d) or one tricyanovinyl (7a–d) electron-acceptor group have been synthesized, and the balance between their push–pull character and their aromatic behaviour has been studied by experimental (spectroscopic, electrochemical and X-ray analysis) and theoretical (DFT/B3LYP/6-31G**) methods. Calculations reveal that the push–pull character is energetically favoured with respect to the preservation of the aromaticity of the pyrimidine ring. X-ray analysis of 7a confirms the theoretical predictions and reveals a strong distortion from planarity due to the steric interaction between the t…

Mimicking photosynthesis: covalent [60]fullerene-based donor–acceptor ensembles

Abstract Within the context of exploring photophysical properties of [60]fullerene-based donor–acceptor ensembles, we highlight in this contribution an approach towards the synthesis of a novel series of donor-bridge-acceptor, C 60 –wire– ex TTF , ensembles that incorporate p -phenylenevinylene oligomers, in which the conjugation length has been systematically increased, as bridges that connect π-extended tetrathiafulvalenes (exTTF) (electron donor) with [60]fullerene (electron acceptor). This molecular design allows probing the effects of distance and rate, at which electron transfer processes occur, as well as the molecular-wire behavior of the oligo-PPV fragments.

A Straightforward Electroactive π-Extended Tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) Building Block

The synthesis and X-ray structure of a new and readily available exTTF derivative (6) bearing a methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide moiety as a new building block for the construction of electroactive molecules is reported. The phosphonium salt 6, which was prepared in one step from 2-hydroxymethyl-exTTF as a stable yellow solid in 84 % yield, efficiently undergoes Wittig olefination reactions with a variety of aldehydes to predominantly form the E isomer. Electronic spectra and cyclic voltammetry of the novel compounds reveal the electronic communication between the electroactive units.

Highly Conjugatedp-Quinonoidπ-Extended Tetrathiafulvalene Derivatives: A Class of Highly Distorted Electron Donors

A new class of pi-extended TTF-type electron donors (11 a-c) has been synthesized by Wittig-Horner olefination of bianthrone (9) with 1,3-dithiole phosphonate esters (10 a-c). In cyclic voltammetry experiments, donors 11 a-c reveal a single, electrochemically irreversible oxidation-yielding the corresponding dicationic products-at relatively low oxidation potentials (approximately 0.7-0.8 V). Theoretical calculations, performed at the DFT level (B3 P86/6-31 G*), predict a highly-folded C(2h) structure for 11 a. In the ground state, the molecule adopts a double saddle-like conformation to compensate the steric hindrance. The calculations suggest that the intramolecular charge transfer associ…

Non-Planar and Flexible Hole-Transporting Materials from Bis-Xanthene and Bis-Thioxanthene Units for Perovskite Solar Cells

Two new hole-transporting materials (HTMs), BX-OMeTAD and BTX-OMeTAD, based on xanthene and thioxanthene units, respectively, and bearing p-methoxydiphenylamine peripheral groups, are presented for their use in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The novelty of the newly designed molecules relies on the use of a single carbon-carbon bond ‘C−C’ as a linker between the two functionalized heterocycles, which increases the flexibility of the molecule compared with the more rigid structure of the widely used HTM spiro-OMeTAD. The new HTMs display a limited absorbance in the visible region, due to the lack of conjugation between the two molecular halves, and the chemical design used has a remarkably i…

Heteroatom Effect on Star-Shaped Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells

Complexation and Electronic Communication between Corannulene-Based Buckybowls and a Curved Truxene-TTF Donor

Abstract: The association behavior of an electron-donating, bowl-shaped, truxene-based tetrathiafulvalene (truxTTF) with two corannulene-based fullerene fragments, C32H12 and C38H14, is investigated in several solvents. Formation of 1:1 complexes is followed by absorption titrations and complemented by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The binding constants are in the range logKa=2.9–3.5. DFT calculations reveal that the most stable arrangement is the conformation in which the 1,3-dithiole ring of truxTTF is placed inside the concave cavity of the corannulene derivative. This arrangement is confirmed experimentally by NMR measurements, and implies that a combination of p–p and C…

Non-covalent graphene nanobuds from mono- and tripodal binding motifs.

Graphene nanobuds were prepared via the non-covalent anchoring of C60-based molecules endowed with one or three pyrene units, respectively. TGA, FTIR, UV-Vis and TEM investigations confirmed the formation of nanohybrids. For the two molecular derivatives, striking differences were determined in their interaction with graphene or carbon surfaces by Raman, cyclic voltammetry and molecular mechanics calculations, revealing the important role of pyrene adsorption in modulating the electronic properties of the nanohybrids.

Synthesis and radical coupling of pyridine-bridged π-extended tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-type donors and push–pull analogues

A new family of pi-extended TTF analogues (3a-c) and D-pi-A chromophores (5a-c), in which the electroactive units (1,3-dithiole rings and 2,2-dicyanovinyl groups) are connected through a pyridine bridge with a meta substitution pattern, is reported. The redox behavior of these compounds has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry and theoretical calculations performed at the B3P86/6-31G** level. Unlike many pi-extended TTF derivatives, the 1,3-dithiole rings in compounds 3a-c do not behave independently and two oxidation processes are observed with an anodic separation ranging from 50 to 150 mV. Calculations show that electrons are equally extracted from both dithiole rings. A biradical str…

Hole transporting materials based on benzodithiophene and dithienopyrrole cores for efficient perovskite solar cells

The development of highly efficient hole transporting materials (HTMs) for perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is still one of the most thrilling research subjects in the development of this emerging photovoltaic technology. Inner ring engineering of the aromatic core of new HTMs – consisting of three fused rings endowed with four triarylamine units – reveals major performance effects over the fabricated devices. In particular, substitution of the central pyrrole ring in dithienopyrrole (DTP) by a benzene ring – benzodithiophene (BDT) – allows enhancing the power conversion efficiency from 15.6% to 18.1%, in devices employing mixed-perovskite (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 (MA: CH3NH3+, FA: NHCHNH3+) …

Solid film versus solution-phase charge-recombination dynamics of exTTF-bridge-C60 dyads.

The charge-recombination dynamics of two exTTF-C 6 0 dyads (exTTF=9,10-bis(l,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-9,10-dihydroanthracene), observed after photoinduced charge separation, are compared in solution and in the solid state. The dyads differ only in the degree of conjugation of the bridge between the donor (exTTF) and the acceptor (C 6 0 ) moieties. In solution, photoexcitation of the nonconjugated dyad C 6 0 -BN-exTTF (1) (BN=1,1'-binaphthyl) shows slower charge-recombination dynamics compared with the conjugated dyad C 6 0 -TVB-exTTF (2) (TVB = bisthienylvinylenebenzene) (lifetimes of 24 and 0.6 μs, respectively), consistent with the expected stronger electronic coupling in the conjugated dyad.…

A Fully Conjugated TTF-π-TCAQ System: Synthesis, Structure, and Electronic Properties

The synthesis of the first fully conjugated tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane ((TTF)-TCNQ)-type system has been carried out by means of a Julia-Kocienski olefination reaction. In particular, a tetracyanoanthraquinodimethane (TCAQ) formyl derivative and two new sulfonylmethyl-exTTFs (exTTF = 2-[9-(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)anthracen-10(9H)-ylidene]-1,3-dithiole)--prepared as new building blocks--were linked. A variety of experimental conditions reveal that the use of sodium hexamethyldisilazane (NaHMDS) as base in THF afforded the E olefins with excellent stereoselectivity. Theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/6-31G** level point to highly distorted exTTF and TCAQ that form an almo…

Improving the Long‐Term Stability of Doped Spiro‐Type Hole‐Transporting Materials in Planar Perovskite Solar Cells

The improvement of the long-term stability of perovskite-based solar cells (PSCs) toward commercialization is closely linked to the development of cutting-edge charge-transporting materials. The progress on the design and the synthesis of new hole-transporting materials (HTMs) is synergistically attaining both top efficiencies and promising stability. Herein, the synthesis and characterization of two doped-HTMs based on electron-rich spiranic cores, namely, 9H-quinolinophenoxazine (spiro-POZ) and 9H-quinolinophenothiazine (spiro-PTZ), are presented. The novel HTMs exhibit excellent solubility, optimal highest occupied molecular orbital energy, and excellent thermal stability with glass tran…

Diskrete supramolekulare Donor-Akzeptor-Komplexe

Concentration dependence of amplified spontaneous emission in two oligo-(p-phenylenevinylene) derivatives

Amplified spontaneous emission sASEd in optically pumped polystyrene sPSd films doped with two different oligo-sp-phenylenevinylened derivatives sOPVsd, with three s3-OPVd and five s5-OPVd monomer units is reported. It is observed that there is a maximum content of oligomer s25 wt. % for 3-OPV and 20 wt. % for 5-OPVd that can be introduced in the films, due to degradation sin 3-OPVd and ASE quenching sin 5-OPVd. Optimal concentrations swith minimum pump-intensity thresholds for the observation of ASEd of 15 wt. % and 9 wt. % are measured for the trimer and the pentamer, respectively. The concentration dependence of the ASE threshold is discussed in terms of the optical absorption spectra. G…

A bis-exTTF macrocyclic receptor that associates C60 with micromolar affinity

An exTTF-based macrocyclic receptor that associates C(60) with a binding constant10(6) M(-1) in chlorobenzene at room temperature is described. This represents an improvement of 3 orders of magnitude with respect to the previous examples of exTTF-based receptors and one of the highest binding constants toward C(60) reported to date.

Synthesis, properties and charge transfer complexes of covalently attached [60]fullerene-tetrathiafulvalenes

Abstract The synthesis of several fulleropyrrolidines bearing differently substitued tetrathiafulvalenes is reported. The synthetic approach used allows the introduction of ethylene spacers between the TTF and the C 60 core. Charge transfer complexes obtained from these [60]fullerene-TTF systems by reaction with tetrafluoro-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (TCNQF 4 ) show a semiconducting behaviour; theoretical calculations predict an intramolecular CT band from the TTF moiety to the C 60 core.

Exploiting multivalent nanoparticles for the supramolecular functionalization of graphene with a nonplanar recognition motif.

The supramolecular modification of planar graphene with the geometri- cally mismatched, curved 9,10-di(1,3-dithiole-2-ylidene)-9,10-dihydroanthracene (exTTF) molecule is demonstrated. The exTTF-graphene interaction is governed by p-p and CH-p interactions, with a negligible contribution from charge transfer. We amplified these weak forces through multivalent gold nanoparticles. Our re- sults show that planarity is not a prerequisite for recognition motifs for graphene.

Efficient Benzodithiophene/Benzothiadiazole-Based n-Channel Charge Transporters

A series of donor–acceptor (D-A) small molecules based on electron-deficient benzothiadiazole (BTD) and electron-rich benzodithiophene (BDT) featuring an A-D-A structure is presented. Exhaustive spectroscopic, electrochemical, and computational studies evidence their electroactive nature and their ability to form well-ordered thin films with broad visible absorptions and low band gaps (ca. 2 eV). Time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) studies unveil unexpected n-type charge transport displaying high electron mobilities around 0.1 cm2 V−1 s−1. Efficient electron transport properties are consistent with the low electron reorganization energies (0.11–0.17 eV) theoretically predicted.

Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells Employing an Anthradithiophene Core

A decade after the report of the first efficient perovskite-based solar cell, development of novel hole-transporting materials (HTMs) is still one of the main topics in this research field. Two of the main advance vectors of this topic lie in obtaining materials with enhanced hole-extracting capability and in easing their synthetic cost. The use of anthra[1,9-bc:5,10-b'c']dithiophene (ADT) as a flat π-conjugated frame for bearing arylamine electroactive moieties allows obtaining two novel highly efficient HTMs from very cheap precursors. The solar cells fabricated making use of the mixed composition (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 perovskite and the novel ADT-based HTMs show power conversion effi…

Conjugated Porphyrin Dimers: Cooperative Effects and Electronic Communication in Supramolecular Ensembles with C60

International audience; Two new conjugated porphyrin-based systems (dimers 3 and 4) endowed with suitable crown ethers have been synthesized as receptors for a fullerene-ammonium salt derivative (1). Association constants in solution have been determined by UV–vis titration experiments in CH2Cl2 at room temperature. The designed hosts are able to associate up to two fullerene-based guest molecules and present association constants as high as ∼5 × 108 M–1. Calculation of the allosteric cooperative factor α for supramolecular complexes [3·12] and [4·12] showed a negative cooperative effect in both cases. The interactions accounting for the formation of the associates are based, first, on the …

Donor-π-acceptors containing the 10-(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)anthracene unit for dye-sensitized solar cells

Two donor-acceptor molecular tweezers incorporating the 10-(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)anthracene unit as donor group and two cyanoacrylic units as accepting/anchoring groups are reported as metal-free sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells. By changing the phenyl spacer with 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) units, the absorption spectrum of the sensitizer is red-shifted with a corresponding increase in the molar absorptivity. Density functional calculations confirmed the intramolecular charge-transfer nature of the lowest-energy absorption bands. The new dyes are highly distorted from planarity and are bound to the TiO(2) surface through the two anchoring groups in a unidentate binding for…

The first spiroconjugated TTF- and TCNQ-type molecules: a new class of electroactive systems?

[Structure: see text] Spiroconjugated TTF-type electron donors (13a-c) and TCNQ-type electron acceptors (10, 11) have been prepared from spiroquinone 9. Cyclic voltammetry reveals a relatively weak accepting ability for 10 and 11, and a strong electron-donor character for 13a-c. Whereas the spiroconjugation introduces a destabilization of the LUMO for compounds 9-11, the opposite is observed for compound 13, thus justifying the redox potential values.

Polymer solar cells based on diphenylmethanofullerenes with reduced sidechain length

Diphenylmethanofullerenes (DPMs) show interesting properties as acceptors in polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells due to the high open circuit voltages they generate compared to their energy levels. Here we investigate the effect of reducing the alkane sidechain length of the DPMs from C12 to C6 in the properties of the solar cell. This change leads to an increase in the electron mobility, thus allowing for a lower fullerene content, which in turn results in an increase in the short circuit current and, finally, in an increase in the efficiency of the device (from 2.3 to 2.6%) due to the higher concentration of the more absorbing polymer in the film. Atomic force microscopy images and ex…

Hexakis-adducts of [60]fullerene as molecular scaffolds of polynuclear spin-crossover molecules

A family of hexakis-substituted [60]fullerene adducts endowed with the well-known tridentate 2,6-bis(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (bpp) ligand for spin-crossover (SCO) systems has been designed and synthesized. It has been experimentally and theoretically demonstrated that these molecular scaffolds are able to form polynuclear SCO complexes in solution. UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy studies have allowed monitoring of the formation of up to six Fe(ii)–bpp SCO complexes. In addition, DFT calculations have been performed to model the different complexation environments and simulate their electronic properties. The complexes retain SCO properties in the solid state exhibiting both thermal- and …

A new type of pi-electron donors with one dithiole unit: Substituted 7-(1,3-dithiol-2-ylidene)-7-hydrobenz[d,e]anthracenes

New electron donors 11a–c bearing only one 1,3-dithiole ring conjugated with an acene backbone have been synthesized by Wittig–Horner reactions from 7H-benz[d,e]anthracen-7-one (10) and differently substituted phosphonate esters 9a–c. The donor properties of 11 have been characterized by means of both experimental techniques and quantum chemical calculations. Cyclic voltammetry measurements on the novel compounds predict donor abilities comparable to those of TTF and BEDT-TTF. The voltammograms show a multi-stage redox behaviour with oxidation up to the trication, where the first two oxidation processes take place at very close potentials. These processes have been assigned to a simultaneou…

Perovskite Solar Cells: Heteroatom Effect on Star-Shaped Hole-Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells (Adv. Funct. Mater. 31/2018)

Saddle-like, π-conjugated, cyclooctatetrathiophene-based, hole-transporting material for perovskite solar cells

A flexible, saddle-like, π-conjugated skeleton composed of four fused thiophene rings forming a cyclooctatetrathiophene (CoTh) with four triphenylamines (CoTh-TTPA) is presented as a hole-transporting material (HTM) for perovskite solar cells. The new HTM shows a bright red color stemming from a direct conjugation between the TPA groups and the central CoTh scaffold. This results in a charge transfer band due to the combination of the weak acceptor moiety, the CoTh unit, and the electron-donating p-methoxytriphenylamine groups. CoTh-TTPA exhibits a suitable highest-occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level in relation to the valence band edge of the perovskite, which ensures efficient hole ex…

High‐Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells Using Molecularly Engineered, Thiophene‐Rich, Hole‐Transporting Materials: Influence of Alkyl Chain Length on Power Conversion Efficiency

The synthesis and characterization of a series of novel small-molecule hole-transporting materials (HTMs) based on an anthra[1,2-b:4,3-b′:5,6-b′′:8,7-b′′′]tetrathiophene (ATT) core are reported. The new compounds follow an easy synthetic route and have no need of expensive purification steps. The novel HTMs are tested in perovskite solar cells and power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to 18.1% under 1 sun irradiation are measured. This value is comparable with the 17.8% efficiency obtained using 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis(N,N-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9′-spirobifluorene as a reference compound. Similarly, a significant quenching of the photoluminescence in the first nanosecond is observed, ind…

Topological effects of a rigid chiral spacer on the electronic interactions in donor-acceptor ensembles

Two triads (donor-spacer-acceptor), etTTF-BN-C 6 0 (6) and ZnP-BN-C 6 0 (7), in which electron donors (i.e., exTTF or ZnP) are covalently linked to C 6 0 through a chiral binaphthyl bridge (BN), have been prepared in a multistep synthetic procedure starting from a highly soluble enantiomerically pure binaphthyl building block (1). Unlike other oligomeric bridges, with hinaphthyl bridges, the conjugation between the donor and the acceptor units is broken and geometric conformational changes are facilitated. Consequently, distances and electronic interactions between the donor and C 6 0 are drastically changed. Both donor-spacer-acceptor (D-s-A) systems (i.e., 6 and 7) exhibit redox processes…

Design, synthesis and photovoltaic properties of [60]fullerene based molecular materials

Abstract The possibility to use new organic semiconductor materials, in place of silicon wafers, in the fabrication of photovoltaic devices on substrates offer the prospect of lower manufacturing costs, particularly for large area applications. Thus, one of the most promising areas in fullerene research involves its potential application, mixed with conjugated polymers, in mimicking photosynthesis and in the related solar energy conversion. The tendency to phase segregation in blends of C60 derivatives and conjugated polymers has to be optimized to improve both charge photogeneration and transport in photovoltaic devices. In order to optimize device performances, a great deal of work has be…

Electron transfer in a supramolecular associate of a fullerene fragment

Herein, we investigate the association of a fullerene fragment, hemifullerene C30H12, with an electron-donating bowl-shaped tetrathiafulvalene derivative (truxTTF). UV/Vis titrations and DFT calculations support formation of the supramolecular complex, for which an association constant of log Ka = 3.6±0.3 in CHCl3 at room temperature is calculated. Remarkably, electron transfer from truxTTF to C30H12 to form the fully charge-separated species takes place upon irradiation of the associate with light, constituting the first example in which a fullerene fragment mimics the electron-accepting behavior of fullerenes within a supramolecular complex.

Synthesis and Photoluminescent Properties of 1,1‘-Binaphthyl-Based Chiral Phenylenevinylene Dendrimers

New chiral, soluble binaphthyl derivatives that incorporate stilbenoid dendrons at the 6,6′-positions have been prepared. The synthesis of the new enantiopure dendrimers was performed in a convergent manner by Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWE) reaction of the appropriately functionalized 1,1′-binaphthyl derivative (R)-1 and the appropriate dendrons (R)2nGn-CHO. Different electroactive units were incorporated in the peripheral positions of the dendrons in order to tune both the optical and electrochemical behavior of these systems. Fluorescence measurements on the chiral dendrimers reveal a strong emission with maxima between 409 and 508 nm depending upon the substitution pattern. Finally, t…

The First sulfur-containing twin-DCNQI-type acceptor

Azatruxene‐Based, Dumbbell‐Shaped, Donor–π‐Bridge–Donor Hole‐Transporting Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells

Three novel donor-π-bridge-donor (D-π-D) hole-transporting materials (HTMs) featuring triazatruxene electron-donating units bridged by different 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) π-conjugated linkers have been synthesized, characterized, and implemented in mesoporous perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The optoelectronic properties of the new dumbbell-shaped derivatives (DTTXs) are highly influenced by the chemical structure of the EDOT-based linker. Red-shifted absorption and emission and a stronger donor ability were observed in passing from DTTX-1 to DTTX-2 due to the extended π-conjugation. DTTX-3 featured an intramolecular charge transfer between the external triazatruxene units and the azo…

Tuning the Electronic Properties of Nonplanar exTTF-Based Push–Pull Chromophores by Aryl Substitution

International audience; A new family ofπ-extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) donor−acceptorchromophores has been synthesized by [2 + 2] cycloaddition of TCNE with exTTF-substituted alkynes and subsequent cycloreversion. X-ray data and theoretical calculations,performed at the B3LYP/6-31G**level, show that the new chromophores exhibit highlydistorted nonplanar molecular structures with largely twisted 1,1,4,4-tetracyanobuta-1,3-diene (TCBD) units. The electronic and optical properties, investigated by UV/visspectroscopy and electrochemical measurements, are significantly modified when theTCBD acceptor unit is substituted with a donor phenyl group, which increases the twistingof the TCBD unit…

Electronic Interactions in a New π-Extended Tetrathiafulvalene Dimer

The first pi-extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) dimer in which the two exTTF units are covalently connected by 1,3-dithiole rings has been obtained in a multistep synthetic procedure involving the Ullmann cross-coupling reaction by using copper(I) thiophene-2-carboxylate (CuTC). The electronic spectrum reveals a significant electronic interaction between the exTTF units. The electrochemical study carried out by cyclic voltammetry in solution and in thin-layer conditions, and the electrochemical simulation and spectroelectrochemical (SEC) measurements confirm the electronic communication and show that the oxidation of dimer 14 occurs as two consecutive 2 e(-) processes D(0)-D(0)-->D(2+)-D(0…

Metal-atom impact on the self-assembly of cup-and-ball metalloporphyrin–fullerene conjugates

International audience; A fullerene ammonium derivative has been combined with different metalloporphyrin–crown ether receptors to generate very stable supramolecules. The combination of fullerene–porphyrin and ammonium–crown ether interactions leads to a strong chelate effect as evidenced by a high effective molarity (3.16 M). The different parameters influencing the stability of the supramolecular ensembles, in particular the nature of the metal in the porphyrin moiety, have been rationalized with the help of theoretical calculations thus providing new insights into fullerene–porphyrin interactions.

Discrete supramolecular donor-acceptor complexes

The renewed interest in noncovalently associating electroactive molecules arises in part from the quest for new organic materials that convert solar energy into electrical/ chemical equivalents. In this context, the formation of charge-separated states is a key prerequisite. Charge-transfer events triggered by light have been studied in supramolecular donor–acceptor systems based on hydrogen bonds and coordinative metal bonds. Although many of the most widely utilized electroactive fragments feature large pconjugated surfaces, to date the use of p–p aromatic interactions has mainly been limited to the construction of semi-infinite ensembles of chromophores either to achieve charge transport…

Minimizing geminate recombination losses in small-molecule-based organic solar cells

Small-molecule-based organic solar cells (OSCs) are a recurrent alternative to polymer-based OSCs. Due to the higher purity and definition of small molecules compared to polymers, the morphological requirements can be more relaxed. Here, we present a series of novel rhodanine-based small-molecule electron donors and blend them with the standard acceptor PC70BM. By performing a target analysis on femtosecond spectroscopy data, we quantify the rates of geminate charge recombination. We are able to reproduce these rates by applying the Marcus–Levich–Jortner equation, using results from quantum chemical calculations. This shows that in a series of differently substituted compounds, one can corr…

Fullerene Polymers: Synthetic Strategies, Properties and Applications

A general overview of the different C60-containing polymers according to their chemical structure and the general synthetic routes followed for their preparation as well as their potential applications is presented. The many fullerene-containing polymers reported in the recent literature have been classified depending upon the position of the fullerenes within the polymer chain and considering the type of chemical connectivity between them. The combination of fullerenes and polymer chemistry is a new interdisciplinary field in which all the knowledge on the synthesis and study of natural, as well as artificial macromolecules, can be applied to fullerenes to achieve novel fullerene-based arc…

Synthesis of Soluble Donor-Acceptor Double-Cable polymers based on polythiophene and tetracyanoanthraquinodimethane (TCAQ).

[structure: see text] Novel suitably functionalized tetracyanoanthraquinodimethane (TCAQ) derivatives covalently linked to thiophene moieties have been synthesized. The thiophene-based monomers have been chemically polymerized and copolymerized to yield new and soluble donor-acceptor double-cable polymers. The absorption and emission data reveal that the optical properties can be finely tuned by modifying the ratio of monomers in the copolymerization process.

CCDC 1813461: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Inés García-Benito, Iwan Zimmermann, Javier Urieta-Mora, Juan Aragó, Joaquín Calbo, Josefina Perles, Alvaro Serrano, Agustín Molina-Ontoria, Enrique Ortí, Nazario Martín, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin|2018|Adv.Energy Mater.|28|1801734|doi:10.1002/adfm.201801734

CCDC 1813460: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Inés García-Benito, Iwan Zimmermann, Javier Urieta-Mora, Juan Aragó, Joaquín Calbo, Josefina Perles, Alvaro Serrano, Agustín Molina-Ontoria, Enrique Ortí, Nazario Martín, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin|2018|Adv.Energy Mater.|28|1801734|doi:10.1002/adfm.201801734

CCDC 1813459: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Inés García-Benito, Iwan Zimmermann, Javier Urieta-Mora, Juan Aragó, Joaquín Calbo, Josefina Perles, Alvaro Serrano, Agustín Molina-Ontoria, Enrique Ortí, Nazario Martín, Mohammad Khaja Nazeeruddin|2018|Adv.Energy Mater.|28|1801734|doi:10.1002/adfm.201801734