Polycyclic anthanthrene small molecules: semiconductors for organic field-effect transistors and solar cells applications

Anthanthrene small molecules with different pendant groups were investigated as semiconductors for organic field-effect transistors and solar cells. Field-effect mobilities were greatly improved with solvent annealing and reached maximum values of 0.078 cm2 V−1 s−1 for a thiophene-appended anthanthrene derivative. When used as donors in conjunction with PC61BM in bulk heterojunction solar cells, a maximum PCE of 2.4% was achieved with good Voc and FF of 0.77 V and 59%, respectively. Although solvent annealing induced J-aggregation of all anthanthrene compounds, such processing step did not necessarily improved the solar cell J–V characteristics as opposed to the field effect mobility. The results showcase the potential of the polycyclic anthanthrene core as a building block for organic electronics.