UCLA

This dissertation describes the synthesis and characterization of several novel conjugated polymers and small molecules for use in research on organic photovoltaics (i.e. polymer solar cells/organic solar cells).

Chapter 1 is an introductory chapter that briefly introduces semiconducting polymers and gives a brief overview of their use in polymer solar cells.

Chapter 2 describes the synthesis and characterization of the conjugated polyelectrolyte, poly{(4,4-bis(3’-(N-ethyl-N,N-dimethylammonio)propyl)cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene)-2,6-diyl-alt-(thiophene-2,5-diyl)} bromide (PCT).

Chapter 3 describes the synthesis and characterization of a series of conjugated polymers containing substituted dithieno[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine monomer units, and also describes the fabrication and analysis of solar cells devices made from these materials.

Chapter 4 describes the synthesis and characterization of a series of conjugated polymers and small molecules based on the condensation of various aromatic o-diamines with o-diketones to produce novel N-heteroacenes.

Chapter 5 gives a brief review of the work reported in this dissertation and provides suggestions for future work that can be built on those findings.