Regioregular Polythiophene–Porphyrin Supramolecular Copolymers for Optoelectronic Applications

Abstract

Conjugated poly(3‐hexylthiophene) copolymer derivatives containing 10% appended porphyrin moieties are prepared using a supramolecular approach toward applications in organic electro­nics. The self‐assembled polythiophene–porphyrin copolymers are synthesized by coordination of the porphyrinato central zinc ions to the imidazole‐functionalized polythiophene side chains. Evidence for the self‐assembly process is provided by 1 H NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X‐ray diffraction, and optical absorption studies on model compounds. The polythiophene–porphyrin copolymers show an extended absorption window in the region of 420–650 nm due to the contribution of the porphyrin. Photoluminescence studies indicate concentration‐dependent energy transfer from P3HT to the porphyrin. Preliminary photovoltaic studies are performed by combining the polythiophene–porphyrin copolymers with PC 61 BM in the photo­active layer of bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. image