pH-directed aggregation to control photoconductivity in self-assembled perylene bisimides

Draper, E. R. , Greeves, B. J., Barrow, M., Schweins, R., Zwijnenburg, M. A. and Adams, D. J. (2017) pH-directed aggregation to control photoconductivity in self-assembled perylene bisimides. Chem, 2(5), pp. 716-731. (doi: 10.1016/j.chempr.2017.03.022)

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Abstract

Perylene bisimides (PBIs) are one example of useful π-conjugated molecules that can be used in optoelectronic devices as n-type materials with strong visible light absorption. PBIs can self-assemble into a range of structures, but it is rare to be able to control the packing such that the same PBI can form either H-type or J-type aggregates. This is important because the conductivity pathways and optoelectronic properties are directly affected by this packing. Here, we show that we can control the packing of a single PBI functionalized with an amino acid by a subtle change in pH. Under one set of conditions, H-type aggregates form a gel when the pH is decreased. At a slightly different set of starting conditions, J-type aggregates are formed, but they cannot form a gel when the pH is lowered. We show that films formed from the self-assembled structures have very different photoconductive properties.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Funding via EP/L021978/1 to the University of Liverpool.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Draper, Emily and Adams, Dave
Authors: Draper, E. R., Greeves, B. J., Barrow, M., Schweins, R., Zwijnenburg, M. A., and Adams, D. J.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Chem
Publisher:Elsevier (Cell Press)
ISSN:2451-9308
ISSN (Online):2451-9294
Published Online:11 May 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in Chem 2(5): 716-731
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
768041Multicomponent Supramolecular HydrogelsDave AdamsEngineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/L021978/2SCHOOL OF CHEMISTRY