New benzodithiophene-pyrrolopyrroledione-thienopyrazine random terpolymers for organic photovoltaics

New random ternary copolymers containing fragments of pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione, 2,3-bis[6-fluoro-9-(2-octyl- dodecyl)-9H-carbazol-3-yl]-3,3′-[5,7-di(thiophen-2-yl)- thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine as electron-withdrawing fragments and benzodithiophene as an electron-donor block have been synthesized. The best power conversion efficiency of 9.18% was achieved for the terpolymer with pyrrolopyrroledione/ thienopyrazine ratio of 1:3. The introduction of the third thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine acceptor block into the structure of the ‘parent’ binary polymer can significantly adjust energy levels and the light absorption range of irregular copolymers, and can enhance photovoltaic properties due to improved absorption capacity and charge transfer.