Our recent studies have examined the effects that illumination has on the structure and conformation of conjugated polymers, both in solution and the bulk. Conjugated polymers are an important class of optoelectronic polymeric materials which make up the active layer of key organic electronic devices such as organic photovoltaics, transistors, and light emitting diodes. Considering the strong link between polymer chain structure and device efficiency in these materials, a comprehensive understanding of certain experimental conditions which may influence this conformation and thusly alter the functionality of the devices predicated upon them is of vital importance.<br/>This presentation will outline our initial exploration of light induced effects on benchmark conjugated polymers in solution elucidated via the use of small angle neutron scattering and the impact of white light exposure on structural evolution of solution gels formed from conjugated polymers at multiple length scales. Our studies of the depth-profile of conjugated polymer composite thin films cast from a single solution through neutron reflectivity, including monitoring the effects of light exposure during the thermal annealing process upon the final film depth profile will also be discussed.<br/>Ultimately, these works cumulatively provide strong evidence indicating that light exposure is an important parameter with far-reaching implications on the final structure of organic electronic materials. Overlooking illumination conditions and failing to provide a consistent ambient light environment throughout device fabrication will result in non-uniform chain conformations and layering architectures, inevitably impacting device performance.

Illumination alters the conformation and thermodynamics of conjugated polymers

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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