Electropolymerization and spectroscopic properties of a novel double-cable polythiophene with pendant fullerenes for photovoltaic applications

A novel double-cable polythiophene carrying fullerene side groups has been prepared electrochemically. Electrochemical and spectroscopic data show that this bipolar material, where phase separation cannot occur, retains the favorable optoelectronic properties of polythiophene/fullerene blends. Excited state spectroscopy reveals clear evidence of a photo-induced electron transfer from the donor cable (polythiophene) to the pendant acceptor cable (fullerene substituents)