Tuning of the electronic properties of self-assembling and highly sensitive chromic polyalkylthiophenes

The solvatochromic behaviour of different functional group-bearing and self-interacting polyalkylthiophenes with strong chromic responses in solution and self-assembling capacity in the solid state is investigated here. The menagerie of species deriving from the conformational freedom of the conjugated chains in solution has been examined in different solvent mixtures as their physico-chemical nature sensibly affects final material morphology in the solid (film) state. Memory of solution curling shape and of the degree of aggregation is in fact retained through casting or spin-coating procedures and permanently endures in the polymeric film. The efficiency of the final device based on the ICP (inherent conducting polymer) film may therefore be improved by simply acting on its morphology, which is directly determined by polymer dissolution conditions.