Synthesis of a conjugated pyrrolopyridazinedione–benzodithiophene (PPD–BDT) copolymer and its application in organic and hybrid solar cells

Abstract: Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a conjugated donor–acceptor copolymer consisting of a pyrrolopyridazinedione (PPD) acceptor unit, and a benzodithiophene (BDT) donor unit. The polymerization was done via a Stille cross-coupling polycondensation. The resulting PPD–BDT copolymer revealed an optical bandgap of 1.8 eV and good processability from chlorobenzene solutions. In an organic solar cell in combination with PC₇₀BM, the polymer led to a power conversion efficiency of 4.5%. Moreover, the performance of the copolymer was evaluated in polymer/nanocrystal hybrid solar cells using non-toxic CuInS₂ nanocrystals as inorganic phase, which were prepared from precursors directly in the polymer matrix without using additional capping ligands. The PPD–BDT/CuInS₂ hybrid solar cells showed comparably high photovoltages and a power conversion efficiency of 2.2%. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]