| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78978 | Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells | 2012 | 9 Pages |
Novel random copolymers containing dithienylcyclopentadienone, thiophene and benzothiadiazole were synthesized and photovoltaic properties of these materials were evaluated. Thermal, structural, optical and electrochemical characterization of the synthesized copolymers was carried out. These thermally stable copolymers are solution processable unlike the homopolymer. The absorption spectra indicated that with the incorporation of alkyl chains in the thiophene moiety, the onset of absorption increases and hence band gap decreases (1.47 eV to 1.41 eV). Bulk heterojunction solar cells were fabricated with the blend of copolymer and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as the active material and device parameters were extracted. The copolymer consists of alkyl thiophene exhibit higher open circuit voltage than the copolymer consisting of thiophene moiety.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Synthesize and characterization of a solution processable random copolymer of dithienylcyclopentadienone, thiophene and benzothiadiazole. ► Optical and thermal characterization of the synthesized copolymer. ► HOMO–LUMO level determination of the copolymers by electrochemical studies. ► Bulkheterojunction solar cells fabrication from a blend of PCBM with the copolymers.
