Synthesis, characterization and use of a POSS-arylamine based push–pull octamer

The first synthesis of an original octamer consisting of a central polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) cage decorated with electro- and optically active arylamine-based push–pull building-blocks is reported herein. Once fully characterized, the potential of the new compound was evaluated as donor material in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. With promising power conversion efficiencies, good processability and film forming properties, such multimer architectures turns out to be potential candidates to bridge the gap between small molecules and polymers.