Rod-coil and all-conjugated block copolymers for photovoltaic applications

Control, understanding and manipulation of the morphology and nanostructure of the active layer of bulk heterojunction solar cells are crucial for the development of polymeric solar cells. Rod-coil and all-conjugated block copolymers can self-assemble into well-ordered morphologies and provide an exciting approach to rationally design and control the nanoscale organization of these materials in organic photovoltaic devices. This article reviews the highlights of the synthesis, morphology, and properties of block copolymers for application in organic photovoltaics. Combination of the precise living polycondensation and controlled polymerization through the grafting-from or grafting-onto approaches produce various architectures of rod-coil and all conjugated block copolymers. The relationships between copolymer morphologies, physical properties and device performance are analyzed.