Poly(2,5-thienylene vinylene), PTV and its soluble alkyl derivatives were synthesised using the dithiocarbamate precursor route (DTC-route) in a good yield, with high molecular weight (Mw), low polydispersity (PD), and with a high maximum absorption peak, $\lambda_{max}$ . The polymers were characterised by absorption spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and, X-ray diffraction.

In this work low bandgap thienylenevinylene and phenylene vinylene copolymers, which possess either 3,4-ethylenedioxylthiophene (EDOT) groups (Polymer 1) or long alkyl side chains (Polymer 2) were investigated and compared in photoinduced electron transfer properties and photovoltaic performance. The results show that the interaction of the photoexcited polymers with an electron acceptor ([6,6]-phenyl C61 – butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)) leads to charge generation and transfer for both polymers. We found that the long alkyl side chain in Polymer 2 instead of the EDOT group in Polymer 1 enhances the open circuit voltage ( $V_{\it OC})$ but lowers the short circuit current ( $I_{\it SC})$ . On the other hand the long alkyl side chain in Polymer 2 significantly improves the solubility and enhances processability for solar cells fabrication. Optimization of the chemical structure of these low bandgap polymers could lead to a spectral improvement of photocurrent generation in organic solar cells.

Efficient charge transfer between a newly synthesized low band gap (LBG) conjugated polymer and the C60 derivative PCBM is demonstrated. Spectral and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements show strong quenching and charge separation in the picosecond time range. The charge transfer is further confirmed by light-induced electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements of both the positive polarons and the fullerene radicals, which can be resolved in high-frequency EPR. The potential for the LBG polymer to act as acceptor was examined in blends with the para-phenylene-vinylene polymer MDMO-PPV. No charge transfer, but instead energy transfer from MDMO-PPV to LBG occurs in these blends, as shown by PL spectroscopy.

In this paper, a clear view on the bulk microstructure of MDMO-PPV:PCBM blends as used in bulk hetero-junction organic solar cells is obtained by means of TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). Using TEM, 3-dimensional information is acquired on phase separated regions, formed during casting. Particle statistics illustrate quantitatively that a.o. drying conditions and choice of solvent dramatically influence the blend structure. More information about the lateral blend structure and distribution is obtained in cross-sectional view. Since blend morphology is strongly related to photovoltaic performance, TEM can be a powerful tool for understanding today's photovoltaic performances and screening new sets of materials.

A new class of precursor polymers, as first described by Louwet et al. [1], was used to make organic LEDs. Device properties are relatively independent from the side chain to be eliminated. However introduction of two methyl groups onto the phenyl ring introduces significant changes in absorption, photoluminescence (PL) emission, PL quantum efficiency and electroluminescence spectra. From XRD there is an indication that this effect might be related to a different packing of the polymer chains.