Synthesis of new pyridazine-based monomers and related polymers for photovoltaic applications.

New aromatic compounds with a pyridazine core have been synthesized. Four electron-withdrawing monomers have been easily prepared from simple condensation reactions and ring closure procedures. Optimized HOMO, LUMO, and bandgap energy levels have been obtained. The resulting conjugated polymers have been tested in organic solar cells. First studies have revealed power conversion efficiencies up to 0.5% for an active area of 1.0 cm(2) .