Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based conjugated polymers containing alkyl and aryl side-chains for bulk heterojunction solar cells

Abstract A series of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)-based conjugated polymers were synthesized with varied side groups such as alkyl and aryl side-chains on a DPP backbone. Their thermal, optical, and photovoltaic properties were investigated. After adding 2% of 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) as a processing additive in active layers for the bulk heterojunction device, we could achieve the highest PCE of 2.02% with V oc  = 0.68 V, J sc  = 5.31 mA cm −2 , and FF = 56.0% for PDPPT-s1 :[70]PCBM (1:2). The device for PDPPT-as designed with asymmetrical side groups on the DPP units also showed good solar cell performance comparable with PDPPT-s1 . These results suggest that the DIO additives can control side-chain interference on DPP units.