Controlling Long-Lived Triplet Generation from Intramolecular Singlet Fission in the Solid State

The conjugated polymer poly(benzothiophene dioxide) (PBTDOI) has recently been shown to exhibit efficient intramolecular singlet fission in solution. We investigate the role of intermolecular interactions in triplet separation dynamics after singlet fission. We use transient absorption spectroscopy to determine the singlet fission rate and triplet yield in two polymers differing only by side-chain motif in both solution and the solid state. Whereas solid-state films show singlet fission rates identical to those measured in solution, the average lifetime of the triplet population increases dramatically and is strongly dependent on side-chain identity. These results show that it may be necessary to carefully engineer the solid-state microstructure of these "singlet fission polymers" to produce the long-lived triplets needed to realize efficient photovoltaic devices.