Spirobifluorene based small push-pull molecules for organic photovoltaic applications

Abstract Four analogous push-pull systems have been synthesized. If the latter all involve the same electron rich diphenylamine termination (D) and π-conjugating spacer (p) they differ from their electron withdrawing groups (A) and more importantly by their linear or 3D structure. Indeed, two push-pull spirobifluorene derivatives, which present two perpendicular D-p-A systems by molecule, are compared to their linear analogues. After description of their syntheses, spectroscopic and electrochemical properties, comforted by theoretical calculations, are discussed and compared. Then, a preliminary evaluation of compounds as active materials in organic solar cells is presented and demonstrates the potential interest of spiro-based derivatives for organic photovoltaics.