Conjugated copolymers based on poly(fluorenylene vinylene) derivatives containing push–pull units: Synthesis and characterization

In this work we present the synthesis, via the Gilch route, of two polymers: poly(9,9-dioctyl-2,7-fluorenylene vinylene) and poly(2-bromo-5-hexyloxy-1,4-phenylene vinylene), which contain fluorene and push–pull (2-bromo-5-hexyloxy-1,4-phenylene) units, respectively. We also present the synthesis of novel copolymers based on the combination of these materials in different proportions. Using the Gilch route, the synthesis yields varied between 42% and 71%, and the average molar masses varied between 4 × 103 g mol−1 and 70 × 103 g mol−1. The thermal, electrochemical and photophysical properties of these polymers were investigated, and their application as hole transporting materials in organic solar cells, in combination with a fullerene derivative (electron transport material), is also presented.

• Synthesis of conjugated homopolymers and copolymers via Gilch route. • Polymers containing 2,7-fluorenylene and 2-bromo-5-hexyloxy-1,4-phenylene units. • Thermal, electrochemical and photophysical characterization. • Polymers used as electron transport materials in organic solar cells.