Spectroelectrochemical and photovoltaic characterization of a solution-processable n-and-p type dopable pyrrole-bearing conjugated polymer

D-A-D-type polymers are of high interest in the field of photovoltaics and electrochromism. In this study we report the synthesis and electrochemical properties of PPyBT along with its photophysical properties and photovoltaic performance. PPyBT is soluble in common organic solvents and both n- and p-type dopable, which is a desired property for conjugated polymers. During electrochemistry studies, the onset potentials of the polymer were determined as +0.2V for oxidation and -1.4V for reduction. Using these values, HOMO and LUMO energy levels were calculated. The photovoltaic properties of PPyBT were also studied. PL studies showed that there is a charge transfer between PPyBT (donor) and PCBM (acceptor). A benzotriazole- and pyrrole-containing donor/acceptor/donor-type conjugated polymer (PPyBT) was emerged in the optoelectronic field. The polymer surprisingly has n-dopable character which is unusual for a pyrrole derivative. Additionally solubility, absorption in the visible region and photophysical properties such as optical contrast and switching time of the resulting polymer make it a promising precursor for further studies on optical electronics.