Tricyanofuran-based donor-acceptor type chromophores for bulk heterojunction organic solar cells

► We synthesized a series of tricyanofuran (TCF)-based donor-acceptor type chromophores. ► The optical properties and energy levels were fine-tuned by introducing various donating units. ► The soluble-processed bulk heterojunction solar cells based on 5a:PC71BM (1:2) exhibited high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.44% under AM 1.5 G solar radiation.