Model compounds based on poly(p-phenylenevinyleneborane) and terthiophene: Investigating the p-n junction in diblock copolymers

Diane M. Hinkens, Qiliang Chen, Mahbube Khoda Siddiki, David Gosztola, Mark A. Tapsak, Qiquan Qiao, Malika Jeffries-El, Seth B. Darling

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

Conjugated block copolymers represent a class of materials with potential applications in electronics and optoelectronics. Three block copolymer model compounds were made by first synthesizing 5-ethynyl-2,2′:5′, 2″-terthiophene, 5-(2-propynyl)-2,2′:5′,2″-terthiophene and 5-(3-butynyl)-2,2′:5′,2″-terthiophene and then performing hydroboration polymerization from the alkyne of the terthiophene. The impact of the connectivity between the polymer blocks of these compounds was investigated. Theoretical and experimental studies indicated that charge transfer was occurring within the all-conjugated copolymer model compound, and that electronic coupling decreased with increasing length of the linking bridge between the n-type and p-type materials. Preliminary efforts to synthesize the related regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) all-conjugated diblock copolymer and use this material as the active layer in photovoltaic cells are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3510-3520
Number of pages11
JournalPolymer
Volume54
Issue number14
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 21 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Block copolymer
  • Conjugated polymers
  • Organoborane

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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