Solar Cells from a Solution Processable Pentacene with Improved Air Stability

The synthesis of 6,13-di-(2-thienyl)pentacene, an air-stable and solution-processable pentacene derivative was reported, and the material has relatively high p-type carrier mobilities and exhibits excellent performance in ambient-operated transistors, in the solid state. The devices were characterized in ambient atmosphere room temperature without thermal annealing, which was not found to significantly affect device performance. The study compared device performance before and after storage in an inert atmosphere, where the devices were tested by exposing to air for 24 h and moved to a nitrogen glovebox. The devices reported feature similar efficiencies and improved stability relative to other pentacene photovoltaics in ambient atmosphere, thereby utilizing the structure with low work function cathodes, that can be processed in a simple fashion in air, and requires no encapsulation to achieve improved air stability.