Self-assembling conjugated macromolecules for organic field effect transistors and solar cells
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Strathclyde
Department Name: Pure and Applied Chemistry
Abstract
The design and construction of an ideal material for organic semiconductor devices requires the careful consideration of a range of physical properties. In some cases, what would represent good materials characteristics for one type of device may be highly detrimental to the efficiency of another. Intermolecular pi-pi interactions symbolise one good example: in organic light emitting devices, photoluminescence is quenched by these attractions and the device efficiency is reduced dramatically; in organic field effect transistors (OFETs), it is desirable to promote pi-pi interactions throughout the bulk, so that charge mobility can be maximised. In this proposal, we aim to prepare materials for organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices and OFETs. The novelty in this work originates from very recent results, in which we demonstrate that highly soluble materials with conformational freedom in solution are able to self-assemble in the solid state to give highly planar and conjugated structures. Such levels of planarity, which maximise the possibility of pi-pi interactions, have only been achieved previously with ladder or ribbon type structures which possess inherent solubility problems. In our systems, long range planarity can be achieved through the use of weak, non-covalent interactions; to date, this approach has not been given significant consideration and is therefore waiting to be exploited.
People |
ORCID iD |
Peter Skabara (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Afonina I
(2010)
Synthesis and characterisation of new diindenodithienothiophene (DITT) based materials
in J. Mater. Chem.
Elmasly S
(2011)
Synthesis and electro-polymerisation of a novel heteropentalene mesomeric betaine: preparation of a novel low band-gap conjugated polymer
in Tetrahedron Letters
Forgie J
(2009)
New Redox Stable Low Band Gap Conjugated Polymer Based on an EDOT-BODIPY-EDOT Repeat Unit
in Chemistry of Materials
Kanibolotsky A
(2008)
The Introduction of Pyrrolotetrathiafulvalene into Conjugated Architectures: Synthesis and Electronic Properties
in Macromolecular Rapid Communications
Kanibolotsky AL
(2011)
Well-defined and monodisperse linear and star-shaped quaterfluorene-DPP molecules: the significance of conjugation and dimensionality.
in Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
Li L
(2009)
Miniature humidity micro-sensor based on organic conductive polymer - poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)
in Micro & Nano Letters
McEntee G
(2011)
Self-assembly and charge transport properties of a benzobisthiazole end-capped with dihexyl thienothiophene units
in J. Mater. Chem.
McEntee G
(2010)
Synthesis and Electropolymerization of Hexadecyl Functionalized Bithiophene and Thieno[3,2- b ]thiophene End-Capped with EDOT and EDTT Units
in Chemistry of Materials
Pang H
(2007)
Advantageous 3D Ordering of p-Conjugated Systems: A New Approach Towards Efficient Charge Transport in any Direction
in Advanced Materials
Vilela F
(2010)
Redox-active tetrathiafulvalene and dithiolene compounds derived from allylic 1,4-diol rearrangement products of disubstituted 1,3-dithiole derivatives.
in Beilstein journal of organic chemistry
Description | A range of new materials have been prepared and assessed for their role as organic semiconductors. Many of the materials were tested for us in transistors, solar cells and sensors. |
Exploitation Route | Learning from the performance of the materials as organic semiconductors. |
Sectors | Chemicals,Electronics,Energy |
Description | Joint research with Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | University of Strathclyde researchers worked on this project with researchers from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Joint research with Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine |
Organisation | Imperial College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | University of Strathclyde researchers worked on this project with researchers from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Merck Speciality Chemicals Ltd |
Organisation | Merck |
Department | Merck Speciality Chemicals Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
Start Year | 2007 |