This tutorial review surveys recent advances in the field of C₆₀/π-conjugated oligomer donor–acceptor ensembles. In particular, different synthetic strategies are discussed that were developed to link π-conjugated oligomers, as versatile photoexcited state electron donors, to C₆₀. We highlight relationships between the nature/structural aspects of π-conjugated donor systems and a variety of physico-chemical features. Modifications of the oligomeric components are discussed under aspects of tailoring (i) the absorption cross-section of the chromophore in the visible region, (ii) the oxidation potential of the oligomeric donor moiety, (iii) the size, shape, or chemical makeup of the oligomer, and (iv) the stabilization of the charge-separated radical ion pairs. In the final section, the applicability of selected materials for the fabrication of photovoltaic devices is analyzed.

This tutorial review surveys and highlights the integration of different molecular wires—in combination with chromophores that exhibit (i) significant absorption cross section throughout the visible part of the solar spectrum and (ii) good electron donating power—into novel electron donor–acceptor conjugates. The focus is predominantly on charge transfer and charge transport features of the most promising systems.