Semiconducting polymers have been widely investigated during the past few years for applications ranging from flexible electronics, organic photovoltaics, sensors, etc. However, current materials and processes present limitations for large-scale fabrication and high-throughput processing.  Efficient n- and p-channel charge transport in pi-conjugated polymers requires assembly of the polymer chains into aligned, well-ordered molecular structures.  The molecular assembly process can be facilitated in solution via several techniques.  For instance, ultrasonication and addition of poor solvents have been shown to effect the formation of anisotropic supramolecular assemblies of the semiconducting polymers which persist after active layer deposition and significantly enhance charge transport within the thin-films.  In addition to treatment of polymer solutions prior to deposition, side-chain molecular architecture can be used as a means to influence the alignment and self-assembly process.  Through judicious choice of polymer molecular structure and targeted process modifications, high performance hole and electron transport polymer semiconductors can be achieved.

Solution phase supramolecular assemblies of pi-conjugated polymers: Their role in promoting efficient charge transport for flexible electronics

248th National Meeting (2014)

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