Developments in the chemistry and band gap engineering of donor–acceptor substituted conjugated polymers

• Published in: Materials science & engineering. R, Reports : a review journal Reports : a review journal, 2001-02, Vol.32 (1), p.1-40
• Main Authors: van Mullekom, H.A.M., Vekemans, J.A.J.M., Havinga, E.E., Meijer, E.W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternating donor-π-acceptor copolymers; Applied sciences; Band gap minimization; Band gap tuning; Electrical, magnetic and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Properties and characterization
• ISSN: 0927-796X; 1879-212X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0927-796X(00)00029-2

This paper reviews the tools to manipulate and minimize the band gap of conjugated (co)polymers. The effects of minimization of the bond length alternation and of the incorporation of donor-π-acceptor units are discussed in particular. A systematic study of a series of alternating donor–acceptor oligomers has revealed the achievable limits and allowed for a prognosis of the performance of corresponding copolymers. The decisive influence of the LUMO eigenvectors of the acceptors on the band gap is highlighted. A new synthesis of benzo[1,2-c:4,5-c]bis[1,2,5]thiadiazole containing donor–acceptor monomers and their acid-catalyzed polymerization are described. Finally, band gap tuning by appropriate substitution, conformational adjustment and mesoscopic ordering is discussed.