ABSTRACT
Block copolymers made from electron-donating and electron-accepting blocks are interesting for applications in photovoltaics where self-assembly on the size scale of an exciton diffusion length (~10nm) is advantageous. Continuous, nanometer-scale interpenetrating phases of electron donor and acceptor components would permit exciton dissociation to occur throughout the active layer and allow the separated charges to be easily transported to the proper electrode. Block copolymers self-assemble into nanometer-scale domains at equilibrium and are hence easily thermodynamically controlled and produce reproducible patterns. This chapter reviews the concepts of materials necessary for the production of 404efficient photovoltaic device structures, the synthesis of donor–acceptor block copolymers, and the aggregation and device performance of these materials. The potential of semiconducting block copolymers lies in the promise of a solution processed, self-assembled active layer which is optimized to promote exciton dissociation and can be made into large area, mechanically flexible, inexpensive devices.
