A series of oligo-thiophene-benzothiadiazole donor-acceptor conjugated copolymers were designed and synthesized through Stille coupling (PBDTDTB and PQDTDTB) or Horner�Wadsworth�Emmons polymerization (PQDTVDTB and PQDTVDDTB). The optical, thermal and electronic properties of these polymers were characterized. These copolymers with low optical bandgaps (~1.55 eV) are capable of absorbing light in the entire visible region (400-800 nm) which makes them attractive candidates for photovoltaic applications.  Crystallization transitions were observed for PBDTDTB and PQDTDTB via DSC; and XRD analysis indicated that these two materials can self-assemble into highly ordered lamellar structures, likely facilitated by interdigitation of the side chains. In particular, a nematic liquid crystalline phase was observed in PQDTDTB using POM. PBDTDTB and PQDTDTB were employed as solution-processed p-type semiconductors in organic field-effect transistors where they exhibited relatively high hole mobilities of 0.01 cm2 V-1 s-1 and 0.04 cm2 V-1 s-1.

Molecular synthesis, characterization, and application of oligo-thiophene-benzothiadiazole based low bandgap D-A π-congugated copolymers

244th National Meeting (2012)

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