Elucidating the Chain-Extension Effect on the Exciton-Dissociation Mechanism through an Intra- or Interchain Polaron-Pair State in Push-Pull Conjugated Polymers

We elucidated chain-extension effects of a benzodithiophene (BDT) and thienopyrroledione-based push-pull conjugated polymer (CP) on its exciton-dissociation mechanism within aggregate systems using transient absoption spectroscopy. The side-group extension CP with benzothiophene on the BDT unit induced H-type excitons with excess energy owing to decreased chain stiffness. This led to interchain polaron-pair (PP)-mediated exciton dissociation. The stiff side-group extended with thienothiophene on the BDT unit also induced H-type excitons, but the decreased energy and breadth of the density of states suppressed the interchain PP-mediated exciton dissociation. The main-chain-extension CP with two thiophenes on either side of the BDT unit has a curved structure disturbing the interchain packing. Thus, the driving force of exciton dissociation between the chains decreased, leading to intrachain PP-mediated exciton dissociation. Our findings can facilitate the development of novel CPs to further increase the efficiencies of polymer solar cells.