Molecular-shape-controlled photovoltaic performance probed via soluble ?-conjugated arylacetylenic semiconductors

The synthesis and characterization of a new series of anthracene-based derivatives and their use as donors in bulk-heterojunction solar cells is reported. It is found that when using well-defined building blocks in constructing the chromophore, the donor molecular shape dramatically affects organic photovoltaic (OPV) performance in a previously unrecognized way. © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.