Eur. Phys. J. Appl. Phys. 36, 285-287 (2006)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap:2006143

Optical and EPR spectroscopy in pure and blended films of a novel low band gap polymer^*

¹ University of Antwerp, Physics Department, CDE, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
² Hasselt University, Institute for Materials Research (IMO), Agoralaan Bld. D, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
³ IMEC, Division IMOMEC, Wetenschapspark 1, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium

Corresponding author: etienne.goovaerts@ua.ac.be

Received: 25 July 2006
Accepted: 2 October 2006
Published online: 6 December 2006

Abstract

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.