Synthesis of ester side chain functionalized all-conjugated diblock copolythiophenes via the Rieke method

Abstract

Ester-functionalized all-conjugated diblock copolythiophenes are synthesized by an optimized Rieke zinc protocol. These light-harvesting semiconducting electron donor polymers are of high interest in the field of organic photovoltaics as both the block architecture and the (functionalized) side chains play a crucial role in determining the bulk heterojunction active layer blend (nano)morphology and thereby the final polymer solar cell efficiency and lifetime.