Amphiphilic N-methylimidazole-functionalized diblock copolythiophenes

Amphiphilic diblock copolythiophenes are synthesized by an efficient two-step synthetic strategy. The block architecture is created via the quasi-living Grignard metathesis reaction, after which ionic imidazolium moieties are introduced by substitution on the bromohexyl side chains of one of the monomer constituents. The compositional influence on the solution behavior and thermal properties of both the precursor and ionic block copolythiophenes is investigated. The novel materials are of particular appeal for integration in organic solar cell stacks, either as active layer or interlayer materials.