High charge carrier mobility in conjugated organometallic polymer networks

The improvement of charge transport in conjugated polymers is a focal point of current research. It is shown here that the carrier mobility can be substantially increased through the introduction of conjugated cross-links between the conjugated chains. Novel organometallic polymer networks based on a poly(p-phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) derivative and Pt0 were synthesized by ligand-exchange reactions between the linear PPE and a low-molecular Pt complex. Time-of-flight measurements revealed ambipolar charge carrier mobilities of up to 1.6 x 10-2 cm2 V-1 s-1 for these materials, which are an order of magnitude higher than those of the neat polymer and represent the highest mobilities yet observed in disordered conjugated polymers.     

Excited state and charge photogeneration dynamics in conjugated polymers

Conjugated polymers are becoming interesting materials for a range of optoelectronic applications. However, their often complex electronic and structural properties prevent establishment of straightforward property-function relationships. In this paper, we summarize recent results on the photophysics and excited state dynamics of conjugated polymers, in order to paint a picture of exciton formation, quenching, and generation of charge carriers.     

Molecular design of star-shaped benzotrithiophene materials for organic electronics

Progresses in the design and application of conjugated small molecules, oligomers and polymers have empowered rapid development of organic electronic technology as an alternative to conventional devices. Among the numerous organic electronic materials, benzotrithiophene (BTT)-based oligomers and polymers have recently come in the limelight demonstrating great potential in organic electronics as high performance photovoltaic devices, field-effect transistors, electrochromic materials, high-area capacitors and charge carrier discotic liquid crystals. In this digest, we propose an overview of the organic electronic materials based on BTT isomers, highlighting the structure-performance relationship. The results obtained so far clearly indicate that the BTT isomers are among the most promising building blocks for the development π-extended materials for optoelectronic applications in the near future.     

Optimizing the self-assembly of conjugated polymers and small molecules through structurally programmed non-covalent control

Organic conjugated polymers and oligomers are key electronic materials for applications such as transistors, photovoltaics, and light emitting devices due to their potential for solution processability, mechanical flexibility, and precise structure-based tuning compared to inorganic materials. In dilute environments, the optoelectronic properties of conjugated polymers are largely governed by their constitutional structure and, to a lesser degree, their solution-state intramolecular configuration. In the solid state, intramolecular conformation and intermolecular electronic coupling impact these properties substantially, especially in relation to device performance. Therefore, an increasingly important area of research concerning conjugated materials is developing design strategies aimed at optimizing the solid-state packing for electronic applications. Programming solid-state packing arrangements through discrete non-covalent interactions is an emerging strategy within the context of conjugated polymers. This review focuses on the use of the two most prevalent discrete and directional interactions used to dictate the self-assembly of conjugated polymers and oligomers—hydrogen bonds and chalcogen bonds. We also discuss how these design motifs can imbue conjugated materials with appealing physical properties while simultaneously retaining or improving electronic capabilities.     

An electrochemically synthesized sulfonated polyaniline layer for positive charge carrier injection improvement in conjugated polymer devices

We report the use of sulfonated polyaniline, SPAN, as a positive charge transporting layer in organic electronic devices, demonstrating that it can be used to significantly improve injection into conjugated polymers. The introduction of an intermediate SPAN layer improves device rectification, even when low-work-function anode materials such as tin oxide are used.     

共轭高分子光电功能材料的多尺度性能研究——聚合物电子学领域中的新机遇

共轭高分子材料特异的金属或半导体的电子特性兼有质轻、价廉、易于加工的优点使其在有机场效应晶体管、有机太阳能电池和有机发光二极管等领域显示了重要的应用前景.然而,尽管经过几十年的不断研究,共轭高分子材料种类及其相关器件性能均已得到显著发展,但是共轭高分子材料的本征电荷传输特性仍不清楚,其研究面临巨大挑战,这主要是由共轭高分子材料本身分子量分布弥散、分子间相互缠结以及在常规旋涂薄膜器件中分子高度无序等特性所决定的.从调控共轭高分子聚集态结构的角度出发,不断提高共轭高分子的结构有序性及减小电荷传输过程中的晶界及缺陷密度,是实现共轭高分子材料本征性能认识的有效途径之一.本文首先简单归纳总结了研究者在共轭高分子多尺度聚集态结构调控及性能研究方面的初步结果,进一步结合国内外相关研究进展,重点对共轭高分子晶体方面的工作展开详细介绍,最后对该领域未来发展的挑战及机遇进行了简单评述.     

Novel Push-Pull Benzodithiophene-Containing Polymers as Hole-Transport Materials for Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells

Donor-acceptor conjugated polymers are considered advanced semiconductor materials for the development of thin-film electronics. One of the most attractive families of polymeric semiconductors in terms of photovoltaic applications are benzodithiophene-based polymers owing to their highly tunable electronic and physicochemical properties, and readily scalable production. In this work, we report the synthesis of three novel push–pull benzodithiophene-based polymers with different side chains and their investigation as hole transport materials (HTM) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). It is shown that polymer P3 that contains triisopropylsilyl side groups exhibits better film-forming ability that, along with high hole mobilities, results in increased characteristics of PSCs. Encouraging a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.4% was achieved for P3-based PSCs that outperformed the efficiency of devices based on P1, P2, and benchmark PTAA polymer. These findings feature the great potential of benzodithiophene-based conjugated polymers as dopant-free HTMs for the fabrication of efficient perovskite solar cells.     

Liquid Crystal Ordering on Conjugated Polymers Film Morphology for High Performance

The electronic performance of conjugated polymers depends on the microstructure of the polymer films. A percolated network morphology with high crystallinity, ordered intermolecular packing and long‐range order is beneficial for charge transport. In recent reports, some conjugated polymers have been shown to exhibit liquid crystallinity. The appearance of liquid crystalline ordering provides a new solution to solve the difficulties in microstructure manipulation. In this review, we summarize how liquid crystallinity can assist molecular arrangement and guide long‐range orientation during film processing, leading to high charge mobility. We expect that this article could draw more attention to the liquid crystallinity of conjugated polymers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019 , 57, 1572–1591     

共轭聚合物的结构缺陷及对光电性能的影响

共轭聚合物是由大量重复基元通过化学键连接的一维体系,具有独特的光、电、电化学等性质,已经引起学术界的广泛关注.由于共轭聚合物结构(链段、构象、聚集态)的复杂性,即使在非常精细的合成条件下,少量结构缺陷的形成也是难免的.共轭聚合物,特别在其固态状态下激发能量能够有效传递,使得少量缺陷的影响被放大,对其光电性质产生巨大影响.因此对共轭聚合物结构缺陷的研究,包括缺陷成因与控制、缺陷密度的分析、缺陷的分子结构与电子结构特征等,对于高品质材料的研发具有重要的意义.本文对国内外研究进展进行了比较详尽的介绍.     

Nanostructured Conjugated Polymers for Energy‐Related Applications beyond Solar Cells

To meet the ever‐increasing requirements for the next generation of sustainable and versatile energy‐related devices, conjugated polymers, which have potential advantages over small molecules and inorganic materials, are among the most promising types of green candidates. The properties of conjugated polymers can be tuned through modification of the structure and incorporation of different functional moieties. In addition, superior performances can be achieved as a result of the advantages of nanostructures, such as their large surface areas and the shortened pathways for charge transfer. Therefore, nanostructured conjugated polymers with different properties can be obtained to be applied in different energy‐related organic devices. This review focuses on the application and performance of the recently reported nanostructured conjugated polymers for high‐performance devices, including rechargeable lithium batteries, microbial fuel cells (MFCs), thermoelectric generators, and photocatalytic systems. The design strategies, reaction mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of nanostructured conjugated polymers are further discussed in each section. Finally, possible routes to improve the performances of the current systems are also included in the conclusion.     

Organic Electrochemical Transistor Based on Hydrophobic Polymer Tuned by Ionic Gels

Hydrophobic conjugated polymers have poor ionic transport property, so hydrophilic side chains are often grafted for their application as organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). However, this modification lowers their charge transport ability. Here, an ionic gel interfacial layer is applied to improve the ionic transport while retaining the charge transport ability of the polymers. By using the ionic gels comprising gel matrix and ionic liquids as the interfacial layers, the hydrophobic polymer achieves the OECT feature with high transconductance, low threshold voltage, high current on/off ratio, short switching time, and high operational stability. The working mechanism is also revealed. Moreover, the OECT performance can be tuned by varying the types and ratios of ionic gels. With the proposed ionic gel strategy, OECTs can be effectively realized with hydrophobic conjugated polymers.     

Charge carrier photogeneration in polymers

The charge carrier photogeneration in polymers can be depicted as a multistage process that involves i) photoexcitation to a neutral molecular electronic state, ii) autoionization of the excited state, iii) thermalization of the hot electron, leading to the formation of a Coulomb field-bound geminate electron-hole pair, and iv) thermal dissociation of the electron-hole pair into free carriers. This model is proposed for all types of polymers with a large ocnjugated pendant group and both the saturated and non-saturated main chain. The separation distance of the electron-hole pairs ranges from 2 to 3 nm, and the primary quantum efficiency of the electron-hole pairs formation assumes values of several tenths of charge per photon. In intrinsic materials like substituted polyacetylenes both the interchain and intrachain charge transfer excitons can be formed. Onsager's theory can provide a satisfactory explanation of the dissociation step. In polymers with the saturated main chain and large conjugated pendant groups the charge-transfer excitons are very often stabilized by self-trapping in dimer deep traps. Dedicated to Prof. Dr. W. Pechhold on the occasion of his 60th birthday     

N-Type Quinoidal Polymers Based on Dipyrrolopyrazinedione for Application in All-Polymer Solar Cells

Conjugated molecules and polymers with intrinsic quinoidal structure are promising n-type organic semiconductors, which have been reported for application in field-effect transistors and thermoelectric devices. In principle, the molecular and electronic characteristics of quinoidal polymers can also enable their application in organic solar cells. Herein, two quinoidal polymers, named PzDP-T and PzDP-ffT, based on dipyrrolopyrazinedione were synthesized and used as electron acceptors in all-polymer solar cells (all-PSCs). Both PzDP-T and PzDP-ffT showed suitable energy levels and wide light absorption range that extended to the near-infrared region. When combined with the polymer donor PBDB-T, the resulting all-PSCs based on PzDP-T and PzDP-ffT exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.33 and 2.37 %, respectively. This is the first report on the application of intrinsic quinoidal conjugated polymers in all-PSCs. The photovoltaic performance of the all-PSCs was revealed to be mainly limited by the relatively poor and imbalanced charge transport, considerable charge recombination. Detailed investigations on the structure-performance relationship suggested that synergistic optimization of light absorption, energy levels, and charge transport properties is needed to achieve more successful application of intrinsic quinoidal conjugated polymers in all-PSCs.     

Metal-Catalyzed Coupling Reactions In The Synthesis Of New Conducting Polymers

The use of transition metal-catalyzed coupling reactions in the synthesis of conducting polymers is discussed. These reactions are of growing importance in polymer synthesis and are particularly important in the synthesis of highly functionalized conjugated (conducting) polymers. In this report we discuss applications of this methodology for the synthesis of conducting polymer sensory materials and polymers with reactive functional groups. In the sensory polymers we have incorporated crown ether groups which induce perturbations to the polymer's electronic structure when exposed to an alkali metal ion. Our interest in polymers with reactive functional groups is for the development of polymers which can be transformed into novel all-carbon ladder polymers.     

共轭聚合物在传感器上的应用

由于其特殊的光学和电子性质,共轭聚合物受到人们的广泛关注.共轭聚合物可以在各种传感器件中用作活性材料,例如:生物传感器;气体、湿度传感器;离子传感器;压力、温度传感器等.本文综述了共轭聚合物在传感器应用方面的一些新的进展.     

Through-space conjugated polymers based on cyclophanes

Conjugated polymers display unique electronic and optical properties, which favor their use in applications as optoelectronic materials and molecular devices. Despite the recent remarkable progress in the chemistry of conjugated polymers, the synthesis of conjugated polymers containing cyclophane units in the main chain is limited to only a few examples. This Minireview presents recent developments in the synthesis, properties, and applications of through-space conjugated polymers based on cyclophanes.     

Role of mesoscopic molecular organization in organic-based thin film transistors

Organic-based thin film transistors have been realized from various organic conjugated materials, which can be gathered into two categories, according to the mechanism describing charge transport. In conjugated polymers and amorphous materials, occurrence of a variable range hopping mechanism leads to a direct relationship between doping level, conductivity and carrier mobility, which explains the difficulty for achieving materials possessing, at the same time, a high mobility and a low conductivity. On the other hand, the trap-limited mechanism of charge transport in conjugated oligomers allows a distinct control of carrier mobility and conductivity. Carrier mobility in thin films of conjugated oligomers can be increased by lowering the concentration of grain boundaries, which can be readily achieved by imposing long range structural ordering of oligomer molecules. Thin films of oligomer with a liquid crystal-like structure have thus been realized, using a self-assembly approach, which presents a mobility close to that of a single crystal of this oligomer. On the other hand, conductivity of these oligomers can be decreased by controlling the purity of these materials. High mobility and low conductivity values can thus be achieved with conjugated oligomers, allowing the realization of organic thin-film transistors presenting characteristics close to those of amorphous-silicon based ones.     

Synthesis and self-assembly of an amphiphilic poly(phenylene ethynylene) ionomer

We have synthesized a conjugated amphiphilic polyelectrolyte, a poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE), and the structurally analogous neutral polymer. The solution-phase aggregation of the uncharged PPE can be reversibly controlled by varying the solvent polarity and concentration, while the charged polymer appears to self-assemble at any concentration in compatible solvents. These conclusions are based on a combination of absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. Photoinduced absorption spectroscopy was also employed to investigate interchain electronic communication and the photoinduced production of free charge carriers. The uncharged PPE had a relatively high polaron yield, indicating pi-stacking of adjacent PPE chains and efficient exciton splitting, while the charged polymer did not produce polarons, indicating that the polymers are not pi-stacked despite their tendency to form aggregates. This is most likely due to the presence of the cationic trimethylammonium side chains which force neighboring polymer chains too far apart to achieve effective pi-orbital overlap. Polarons were observed in both polymers after chemical doping with iodine. The ability to control aggregation and interchain electronic communication could be a useful tool in designing nanostructured electronic materials.     

Non-symmetric Half-Fused B←N Coordinated Diketopyrrolopyrrole Building Block for n-type Semiconducting Polymers

The development of conjugated polymers with high semiconducting performance and high reliability is of great significance for flexible electronics. Herein, we developed a new type of electron-accepting building block; i.e., non-symmetric half-fused B←N coordinated diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) ( HBNDPP ), for amorphous conjugated polymers toward flexible electronics. The rigid B←N fusion part of HBNDPP endows the resulting polymers with decent electron transport, while its non-symmetric structure causes the polymer to exhibit multiple conformation isomers with flat torsional potential energies. Thus, it gets packed in an amorphous manner in solid state, ensuring good resistance to bending strain. Combined with hardness and softness, the flexible organic field-effect transistor devices exhibit n-type charge properties with decent mobility, good bending resistance, and good ambient stability. The preliminary study makes this building block a potential candidate for future design of conjugated materials for flexible electronic devices.     

Metal-containing conjugated oligo- and polythiophenes

Conjugated polymers containing metal groups are an important class of new materials that may find application as sensors, non-linear optical materials and in molecular electronics. Polythiophenes are an extensively studied class of conjugated polymers, that can be easily modified synthetically, and may be prepared using a variety of methods. Metal groups pendant to polythiophene backbones modulate the electronic, optical and redox properties of the conjugated backbone and can introduce novel structural motifs to these materials. Functionalization of oligo- and polythiophenes by Fe, Pd and Ru containing groups is discussed, along with the properties of some of these materials.