A current challenge in the development of conjugated polymers for use in bulk hetero junction photovoltaic cells is the control of nanoscale morphology, and the synthesis of polymers with high electron affinity and low band gaps. Morphological control is critical since the typical distance travelled by an exciton before recombination is only on the order of 10 nm. High electron affinity facilitates electron transfer from the polymer to [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), while maximizing the open circuit voltage. Whereas low-band-gap polymers can absorb photons of longer wavelengths, increasing the percentage of solar energy that can be harvested. We are currently synthesizing new polymers based on alkyl thiophenes and exploring the impact of structural modifications on their performance in photovoltaic cells.

Design and synthesis of new thiophene containing polymers for use in photovoltaic applications

239th National Meeting (2010)

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