Abstract
In this paper, four new aromatic imines containing at least one thiazole-based heterocycle were analyzed in detail by UV-Vis spectroscopy, taking into consideration their chemical structures and interactions with PTB7, a known polymeric electron donor widely used in bulk heterojunction organic solar cells. It is demonstrated that the absorption spectra of the investigated active compositions can be modified not only by changing the chemical structure of imine, but also via formulations with PTB7. For all investigated imines and PTB7:imine compositions, calibration curves were obtained in order to find the optimum concentration in the composition with PTB7 for expansion and optimization of absorption spectra. All imines and PTB7:imine compositions were investigated in 1,2-dichlorobenzene by UV-Vis spectroscopy in various concentrations, monitoring the changes in the π-π* and n-π* transitions. With increasing imine concentrations, we did not observe changes in absorption maxima, while with increasing imine concentrations, a hypochromic effect was observed. Finally, we could conclude that all investigated compositions exhibited wide absorptions of up to 800 nm and isosbestic points in the range of 440-540 nm, confirming changes in the macromolecular organization of the tested compounds. The theoretical calculations of their vibration spectra (FTIR) and LUMO-HOMO levels by Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods are also provided. Finally, IR thermal images were measured for organic devices based on imines and the imine:PTB7 composite.