Baumgartner, ThomasWilson, Jordan2012-09-072012-11-132012-09-062012http://hdl.handle.net/11023/187New conjugated phenyl dithienophosphole-containing polythiophenes were synthesized and studied. These polymers displayed unique optoelectronic properties, with broad absorption profiles and tunable HOMO and LUMO energy levels. The first research chapter is focused on the design of dithienophosphole-containing polythiophenes for donor material applications in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Random copolymers containing 3,3’-didodecyl-2,2’-bithiophene coupled to varying amounts of dithienophosphole oxide and benzothiadiazole were synthesized via a developed Stille coupling protocol. Optoelectronic studies showed a dependence of the HOMO energy levels on dithienophosphole oxide, as well as a destabilization of the LUMO energy levels with increasing dithienophosphole oxide content. The second research chapter focused on chemical modifications of the P-center of dithienophosphole. Post-polymerization reactions were performed to yield fully and partially P-modified dithienophosphole-containing polythiophenes. P-modifications include a borane adduct, Au-complexation, Pd-complexation, and methylation. Pd-complexation formed an insoluble cross-linked copolymer. Optoelectronic studies showed P-modifications tune the HOMO and LUMO energy levels, without altering the energy bandgap.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Chemistry--PolymerphosphorusorganicInorganicmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/27334