Cyclopentadithiophene–naphthalenediimide polymers; synthesis, characterisation, and n-type semiconducting properties in field-effect transistors and photovoltaic devices

Li, C.-H., Kettle, J. and Horie, M. (2014) Cyclopentadithiophene–naphthalenediimide polymers; synthesis, characterisation, and n-type semiconducting properties in field-effect transistors and photovoltaic devices. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 144(3), pp. 519-528. (doi: 10.1016/j.matchemphys.2014.01.029)

Abstract

The synthesis, characterisation, and device performance of a series of cyclopentadithiophene (CPDT)-naphthalenediimide (NDI) donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) polymers is reported. The monomers with various alkyl chains are synthesised via direct arylation using palladium complex catalyst. The monomers are then polymerised by oxidative polymerisation using FeCl3 to provide high molecular weight polymers (Mn = 21,800–76,000). The polymer films show deep-red absorption including near-infrared region up to 1100 nm to give optical bandgap of approximately 1.16 eV. The polymers exhibit only n-type semiconducting properties giving the highest electron mobility of 9 × 10-3 cm2 V−1 s−1 in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices are fabricated from solutions of the polymers as acceptors and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as a donor.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Kettle, Professor Jeff
• Authors: Li, C.-H., Kettle, J., and Horie, M.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: Materials Chemistry and Physics
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0254-0584
• ISSN (Online): 1879-3312
• Published Online: 10 February 2014