Conjugated Polymers for OPV Solubility and Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conjugated polymers used in organic photovoltaic devices face limitations such as limited solubility in organic solvents, low power conversion efficiency, and challenging synthesis methods, which hinder their suitability for mass production and device performance.
Innovation Solution
Development of conjugated polymers containing 4,8-dioxycarbonylalkyl-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene repeating units or their thioester derivatives, which enhance solubility, charge carrier mobility, and synthesis ease, enabling improved light harvesting and device efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conjugated polymers are designed with narrow band gap to absorb maximum solar spectrum, then light harvesting efficiency is improved, but solubility in organic solvents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific side chain structures (ester groups, alkoxy chains) at particular positions of the polymer backbone. These localized modifications at the molecular level improve solubility without compromising the overall conjugated structure needed for light harvesting, thus resolving the contradiction between narrow band gap requirement and solvent solubility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymer structures combining electron-donating units (like BDT) with electron-accepting units and solubilizing side chains. This composite approach at the molecular level allows the polymer to simultaneously achieve narrow band gap for efficient light absorption and adequate solubility for solution processing.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conjugated polymers are designed for high power conversion efficiency, then energy conversion is improved, but charge carrier mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the chemical structure of donor and acceptor units, their ratios, and side chain configurations to optimize both power conversion efficiency and charge carrier mobility. By adjusting these molecular parameters, the patent achieves a balance between energy conversion performance and charge transport properties.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The polymers exhibit high solubility, charge carrier mobility, and oxidative stability, facilitating high power conversion efficiency in organic photovoltaic devices and are suitable for large-scale production using solution processing methods.
Implementation Method 1
conjugated polymers have found use in OPVs as they allow devices to be manufactured by solution-processing techniques
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to novel polymers containing one or more 4,8-dioxycarbonylalkyl-benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene repeating units or their thioester derivatives, methods for their preparation and monomers used therein, blends, mixtures and formulations containing them, the use of the polymers, blends, mixtures and formulations as semiconductor in organic electronic (OE) devices, especially in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, and to OE and OPV devices comprising these polymers, blends, mixtures or formulations.