A novel n-type conjugated polymer DOCN-PPV: Synthesis, optical, and electrochemical properties

A soluble n-type conjugated polymer DOCN-PPV was synthesized containing two cyano units and alkoxyl groups alternatively attached to the phenyl ring through the Stille coupling. The n-type conjugated polymers are not only important in OLED as electron transport materials for increasing electron injection from the cathode and as hole blockers but also in polymer solar cells (PSC) as polymer acceptors. Cyclic voltammetry of DOCN-PPV film on a Pt electrode was performed to investigate its electrochemical behavior and to estimate its electronic energy levels. Spectroelectrochemical measurement was widely used to study the p-doping/dedoping processes and electrochromic properties of conjugated polymers. The results suggests that DOCN-PPV is a strong electron acceptor and a pure n-type conjugated polymer. Such an n-type conjugated polymer is quite rare and highly desired for the application in PSCs.