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Structural correlations in the generation of polaron pairs in low-bandgap polymers for photovoltaics

Author

Listed:
  • Raphael Tautz

    (Photonics and Optoelectronics Group)

  • Enrico Da Como

    (Photonics and Optoelectronics Group
    Present address: Department of Physics, University of Bath, Bath, UK.)

  • Thomas Limmer

    (Photonics and Optoelectronics Group)

  • Jochen Feldmann

    (Photonics and Optoelectronics Group)

  • Hans-Joachim Egelhaaf

    (Konarka Technologies GmbH)

  • Elizabeth von Hauff

    (Organic Photovoltaics and Electronics Group, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg and Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems)

  • Vincent Lemaur

    (Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, B-7000 Mons, Belgium.)

  • David Beljonne

    (Laboratory for Chemistry of Novel Materials, University of Mons, Place du Parc 20, B-7000 Mons, Belgium.)

  • Seyfullah Yilmaz

    (Wuppertal University)

  • Ines Dumsch

    (Wuppertal University)

  • Sybille Allard

    (Wuppertal University)

  • Ullrich Scherf

    (Wuppertal University)

Abstract

Polymeric semiconductors are materials where unique optical and electronic properties often originate from a tailored chemical structure. This allows for synthesizing conjugated macromolecules with ad hoc functionalities for organic electronics. In photovoltaics, donor–acceptor co-polymers, with moieties of different electron affinity alternating on the chain, have attracted considerable interest. The low bandgap offers optimal light-harvesting characteristics and has inspired work towards record power conversion efficiencies. Here we show for the first time how the chemical structure of donor and acceptor moieties controls the photogeneration of polaron pairs. We show that co-polymers with strong acceptors show large yields of polaron pair formation up to 24% of the initial photoexcitations as compared with a homopolymer (η=8%). π-conjugated spacers, separating the donor and acceptor centre of masses, have the beneficial role of increasing the recombination time. The results provide useful input into the understanding of polaron pair photogeneration in low-bandgap co-polymers for photovoltaics.

Suggested Citation

  • Raphael Tautz & Enrico Da Como & Thomas Limmer & Jochen Feldmann & Hans-Joachim Egelhaaf & Elizabeth von Hauff & Vincent Lemaur & David Beljonne & Seyfullah Yilmaz & Ines Dumsch & Sybille Allard & Ull, 2012. "Structural correlations in the generation of polaron pairs in low-bandgap polymers for photovoltaics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 3(1), pages 1-8, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:3:y:2012:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms1967
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms1967
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    Cited by:

    1. Craig, Ben & Schoetz, Theresa & Cruden, Andrew & Ponce de Leon, Carlos, 2020. "Review of current progress in non-aqueous aluminium batteries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 133(C).
    2. Michael B. Price & Paul A. Hume & Aleksandra Ilina & Isabella Wagner & Ronnie R. Tamming & Karen E. Thorn & Wanting Jiao & Alison Goldingay & Patrick J. Conaghan & Girish Lakhwani & Nathaniel J. L. K., 2022. "Free charge photogeneration in a single component high photovoltaic efficiency organic semiconductor," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Katia Pagano & Jin Gwan Kim & Joel Luke & Ellasia Tan & Katherine Stewart & Igor V. Sazanovich & Gabriel Karras & Hristo Ivov Gonev & Adam V. Marsh & Na Yeong Kim & Sooncheol Kwon & Young Yong Kim & M, 2024. "Slow vibrational relaxation drives ultrafast formation of photoexcited polaron pair states in glycolated conjugated polymers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-13, December.

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