Synthesis and characterization of a new perylene bisimide (PBI) derivative and its application as electron acceptor for bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells

► New perylene bisimide derivative (PDI) containing 2-(4-nitrophenyl)acrylonitrile was synthesized and characterized. ► Solvents used to deposit active layer played significant role. ► Power conversion efficiency of 3.17% was realized for a device with thermally annealed P3HT:PDI blend.