TY - JOUR
T1 - The synthesis and photovoltaic performance of regioregular poly[3-(n-butoxymethyl)thiophene]
AU - Zoombelt, A.P.
AU - Leenen, M.A.M.
AU - Fonrodona Turon, M.
AU - Wienk, M.M.
AU - Janssen, R.A.J.
PY - 2008
Y1 - 2008
N2 - The synthesis and photovoltaic performance of poly[3-(n-butoxymethyl)-thiophene] (P3BMT) is reported. Incorporation of a n-butoxymethyl side chain, instead of an alkyl chain as in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) may increase the oxidation potential via an inductive effect, leading to an increase in open-circuit voltage (Voc) in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Applying the Grignard metathesis polymerization route afforded highly regioregular P3BMT with > 95% HT coupling. In solution, the optical and electrochemical properties of P3BMT are nearly identical to those of P3HT. However, the absorption data in the film point to a lesser degree of 3D ordering. The ether functionality appears to prevent a close packing of the chains. The best bulk heterojunction solar cells made from P3BMT with [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as acceptor had Voc = 0.71 V, which is indeed 0.1 V higher than that of P3HT:PCBM cells. As a result of the lower 3D ordering, the short-circuit current (Jsc = 4.16 mA/cm2) is less. In combination with a fill factor of 0.57, a maximum power conversion efficiency of 1.68% was obtained.
AB - The synthesis and photovoltaic performance of poly[3-(n-butoxymethyl)-thiophene] (P3BMT) is reported. Incorporation of a n-butoxymethyl side chain, instead of an alkyl chain as in poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) may increase the oxidation potential via an inductive effect, leading to an increase in open-circuit voltage (Voc) in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Applying the Grignard metathesis polymerization route afforded highly regioregular P3BMT with > 95% HT coupling. In solution, the optical and electrochemical properties of P3BMT are nearly identical to those of P3HT. However, the absorption data in the film point to a lesser degree of 3D ordering. The ether functionality appears to prevent a close packing of the chains. The best bulk heterojunction solar cells made from P3BMT with [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as acceptor had Voc = 0.71 V, which is indeed 0.1 V higher than that of P3HT:PCBM cells. As a result of the lower 3D ordering, the short-circuit current (Jsc = 4.16 mA/cm2) is less. In combination with a fill factor of 0.57, a maximum power conversion efficiency of 1.68% was obtained.
U2 - 10.1016/j.tsf.2007.12.054
DO - 10.1016/j.tsf.2007.12.054
M3 - Article
SN - 0040-6090
VL - 516
SP - 7176
EP - 7180
JO - Thin Solid Films
JF - Thin Solid Films
IS - 20
ER -
