Metallopolymers from ruthenium and iron pyrrole-containing π-extended complexes as model components for solid state solar cells

New metallopolymers were generated efficiently on Pt and ITO (indium–tin oxide) glass slides by repeated scan oxidation of Ru and Fe complexes containing pyrrolostyryl bipyridine ligands. The UV–Vis spectrum and voltammogram of Ru-based polymer films showed blue-shifts of the MLCT absorption bands and increased oxidation potentials indicating conjugation cut in the π-extended system. In contrast, formation of polypyrrole occurred in Fe-based polymers due to oxidation of pyrrole groups by the initially oxidised metal centres. The coated ITO electrodes displayed promising wide absorption domains for use in light conversion devices.