Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, Vol.29, 120-128, September, 2015
Effect of side chains on solubility and morphology of poly(benzodithiohene-alt-alkylbithiophene) in organic photovoltaics
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It was reported that the side chains play especially an important role in enhancing physical properties and energy levels. Polythiophene based on benzodithiophene has excellent carrier mobility, but high HOMO level. We synthesized polythiophenes, PBDTBiTh(2EH) and PBDTBiTh(12C), were polymerized using the Stille coupling reaction and had thiophene with a 2-ethylhexyl or n-dodecyl side chain. Upon introducing the 2-ethylhexyl side chain, the absorption coefficients of the monomers and polymers were enhanced. Also, the edge-on orientation was fortified and the HOMO level was decreased to -5.37 eV. PBDTBiTh(2EH) showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.1%, which was double that of PBDTBiTh(12C).
Keywords:Bithiophene;Benzodithiophene;Side chain;Stille coupling reaction;Bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells
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