1-(3-Methoxycarbonyl)propyl-2-selenyl-[6,6]-methanofullerene as a n-Type Material for Organic Solar Cells

Demand for green and renewable energy is stimulating research into future materials for energy production. Thin films of materials possessing both electron accepting and donating functions play a unique role in solar energy technology because of their light weight, flexibility, and economical, low-temperature, and large-area fabrication. A [60]fullerene derivative, [6,6]-2-selenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (SeCBM), has been synthesized in three steps, namely through Friedel–Crafts acylation of selenophene, hydrazone formation and Bamford-Steven reaction. Organic photovoltaic device incorporating SeCBM and the conducting polymer P3HT exhibited an average power conversion efficiency of 3.26% and a champion efficiency as high as 3.81% under AM 1.5G irradiation.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We synthesized 1-(3-methoxycarbonyl)propyl-2-selenyl-[6,6]-methanofullerene (SeCBM) as a n-Type Material for Organic Solar Cells. ► SeCBM displays similar UV–Vis absorption pattern as that of ThCBM and show hypsochromic shifts as compared to that of PCBM in the visible region. ► SeCBM exhibits similar LUMO energy level as its sulfur analogue ThCBM and lower energy level than that of PCBM. ► Thin film consisting of SeCBM/P3HT exhibited an average power conversion efficiency of 3.26% and a champion efficiency as high as 3.81% under AM 1.5G irradiation.