Single-molecule studies of light-emitting polymers: observing and manipulating polymer conformation in solution

Lead Research Organisation: University of Glasgow
Department Name: School of Chemistry

Abstract

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Description We are developing a range of conjugated molecules and polymers with terminal functional group for single molecule spectroscopy. The results show how the structure and processing of organic semiconductors affect their performance in solar cells. A particularly interesting finding was the use of a "templating additive" as a way of improving bulk heterojunction morphology and device performance.
That polymers can be studied at the single chain level and the methodology has been established and demonstrated.
We will disseminate key findings at meetings such as conferences. A key paper is currently under review that identifies control of the beta-phase in a single polymer chain
Exploitation Route Manipulation of conformation and morphology can be controlled and this will be of particular interest to those working in the area of organic semiconductors and processing.
Sectors Chemicals,Electronics,Energy,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology
 
Description Ultra-fast, ultra-small and ultra-dilute: an integrated understanding of conjugated polymers in solution across temporal and spatial scales
Amount £324,425 (GBP)
Funding ID EP/T013710/1 
Organisation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2020 
End 03/2023
 
Title Effect of end group functionalisation of small molecules featuring the fluorene-thiophene-benzothiadiazole motif as emitters in solution-processed red and orange organic light-emitting diodes 
Description A series of red fluorescent materials (compounds 1-4), which each contain the symmetric fluorene-thiophene-BT-thiophene-fluorene core, is presented along with their performance in solution-processed OLED devices. Extending the molecular conjugation through end-capping with additional fluorene units (compound 2), or through incorporation of donor functionalities (compounds 3 and 4) improves OLED performance relative to the parent compound 1. Notably, incorporating triphenylamine donor groups in compound 3 led to solution-processed OLED devices operating with a peak luminance of 2888 cd m-2 and a low turn-on voltage (3.6 V). 
Type Of Material Database/Collection of data 
Year Produced 2018 
Provided To Others? Yes