Couplings between ion motion, electron transport, and structural dynamics dictate the performance of organic mixed ionic electronic-conductors for applications ranging from bioelectronics to energy storage. Optimizing electron and ion transport in the same material is challenging because materials with high electron transport are typically highly crystalline and materials with high ion transport are typically amorphous. Here, we tune the crystallinity of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) by blending different ratios of regioregular (crystalline) and regiorandom (amorphous) P3HT. Using spectroelectrochemistry to measure ion injection kinetics, we find that a blend of 75:25 RR:RRa P3HT has faster ion intercalation than both pure RR and RRa P3HT. Using a combination of spectroelectrochemistry, in situ grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS), and nanoscale infrared imaging, we find that ions and holes preferentially enter crystalline regions of P3HT. Our results point to the importance of balancing crystalline and amorphous polymer content for mixed conductivity.

Enhancing ion injection kinetics in organic mixed ionic electronic conductors (OMIECs) by tuning polymer crystallinity

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.