Molecular design and device optimization played a significant role for the rapid development in the field of PSCs over the past decade.1 One of the most efficient strategies to achieve superior photovoltaic properties is the donor-acceptor approach. Low-band-gap polymers having extended absorption in the longer wavelengths with an increased device efficiency are obtained via donor-acceptor approach. Its planar structure, strong π–π intermolecular interactions, regioregularity, easy modification and high hole mobility makes benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (BDT) one of the most successful electron-donor units for semiconducting polymers.2,3 BDT-based conjugated polymers gave high performance photovoltaic devices with PCBM since its symmetric structure could enhance the electron delocalization and interchain interaction.4 On the other hand, 2,1,3-Benzooxadiazole (BO) is one of the strong electron withdrawing moieties widely used in PSCs due to its planar, rigid geometry, ease of preparation, excellent stability and optoelectronic characteristics. 5,6-Bisalkoxy-substituted BO based conjugated polymers reveal better solubility than that of their unsubstituted counterparts. These inspired us to synthesize polymers comprising benzooxadiazole unit as electron acceptor and benzodithiophene, thiophene moieties as electron donor building blocks bridged by different heteroaromatic rings (Scheme 1). Thiophene and thienothiophene units were selected as the conjugated linkers. The syntheses, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical characterizations of the polymers were performed.

2,1,3-Benzooxadiazole, thiophene and benzodithiophene based random copolymers for organic photovoltaics: Thiophene versus thieno[3,2-b]thiophene as π-conjugated linkers

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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