BODIPY-based conjugated polymers for broadband light sensing and harvesting applications

Abstract

The synthesis of novel low band-gap polymers has significantly improved light sensing and harvesting in polymer–fullerene devices. Here the synthesis of two low band-gap polymers based on the 4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene core (BODIPY), and either bis(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (bis-EDOT) or its all-sulfur analogue bis(3,4-ethylenedithiathiophene) (bis-EDTT) are described. The polymers demonstrate ambipolar charge transport and are shown to be suitable for broadband light sensing and solar energy harvesting in solution-processable polymer–fullerene devices.

Keywords Polymers, Light sensing, Harvesting, Solar