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 coordinationof the porphyrinato central zinc ions to the imidazole-functionalized polythiophene side chains.Evidence for the self-assembly process is provided by 1H 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.