Thiophene fluorination to enhance photovoltaic performance in low band gap donor-acceptor polymers

Chem Commun (Camb). 2012 Nov 21;48(90):11130-2. doi: 10.1039/c2cc35079c. Epub 2012 Oct 8.

Abstract

We report the first synthesis of a tetrafluorinated 4,7-bis(3,4-difluorothiophen-2-yl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole monomer and its polymerisation with dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]germole by Stille coupling to afford a low band gap polymer with a high ionisation potential. Direct comparison to the non-fluorinated analogue demonstrates that fluorination results in an increase in ionisation potential with no change in optical band gap, and enhanced aggregation over the non-fluorinated polymer. These desirable properties result in a significant enhancement in OPV device performance in blends with PC(71)BM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Halogenation
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Quantum Theory
  • Solar Energy*
  • Thiadiazoles / chemistry
  • Thiophenes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Thiadiazoles
  • Thiophenes
  • benzo-1,2,3-thiadiazole