Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Random Copolymers for Photovoltaic Applications

Abstract

In this work of thesis is reported the synthesis and the optoelectronic characterization of a new family of random conjugated copolymers based on 9,9-bisalkylfluorene, thiophene and benzothiadiazole monomers unit synthesized by a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. The photophysical, thermal, electrochemical properties were investigated. The electronic structures of the copolymers were simulated via quantum chemical calculations. Bulk heterojunction solar cells based on these copolymers blended with fullerene, exhibited power conversion efficiency as high as 1% under illumination of 97 mW/cm2