Abstract
A type of graft copolymer based on polysiloxane and regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has been synthesised and its properties have been studied alongside those of its parent conjugated polymer—regioregular P3HT. Electrochemical analysis has revealed more significant changes in conformation of the copolymer film than was observed for P3HT. UV-Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical investigation provided evidence of improved doping reversibility of the copolymer, despite its marginally increased band gap, as also confirmed by electroconductometric analysis. Evidence has been shown, indicating that polaron mobilities in both P3HT and the copolymer are higher than those of bipolaronic charge carriers, even though both systems exhibit standard doping/dedoping patterns. The grafted copolymer was tested in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Preliminary studies show a great potential of these polymers for application in photovoltaics. Power conversion efficiency of up to 2.46% was achieved despite the dilution of the P3HT chains in the copolymer.
Highlights
Organic semiconductors, with their flexibility and cost-efficiency, are an ever-evolving alternative to silicon-based optoelectronics
Regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) functionalised with terminal vinyl group was synthesised via the GRIM method with in situ end group attaching
Polysiloxane-graft-(P3HT; PEG) samples were prepared via a variation of the hydrosilylation reaction, in the course of a facile one-pot synthesis
Summary
With their flexibility and cost-efficiency, are an ever-evolving alternative to silicon-based optoelectronics. The labours of numerous researchers worldwide have brought about impressive advances in organic photovoltaic cells (OPVs), light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), and field-effect transistors (OFETs), and the reports of their performance are nothing but promising. The evolution of the field is ensured by constant development of new conjugated materials; it is the formulation of new concepts (donor–acceptor copolymers, bulk heterojunction) that engenders breakthroughs. Organic optoelectronic devices typically use indium–tin oxide (ITO)/glass or ITO/quartz as one of the electrodes, with the other one typically being metallic. Out of many systems interacting with such oxide-based substrates, siloxanes are prime candidates due to their high affinity for such materials and cost-efficiency. Grafting conjugated polymers onto siloxane or polysiloxane scaffolds may be sufficient to achieve improved adhesion to oxide-based electrodes [1].
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