Design, synthesis and application of a π-conjugated, non-spiro molecular alternative as hole-transport material for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells and perovskite solar cells

Two low-cost, easily synthesized π-conjugated molecules have been applied as hole-transport materials (HTMs) for solid state dye-sensitized solar cells (ssDSSCs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs). For X1-based devices, high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 5.8% and 14.4% in ssDSSCs and PSCs has been demonstrated. For X14-based devices, PCEs were improved to 6.1% and 16.4% in ssDSCs and PSCs, respectively.