Lest we forget – the importance of heteroatom interactions in heterocyclic conjugated systems, from synthetic metals to organic semiconductors

Cameron, J. , Kanibolotskyy, A. L. and Skabara, P. J. (2023) Lest we forget – the importance of heteroatom interactions in heterocyclic conjugated systems, from synthetic metals to organic semiconductors. Advanced Materials, (doi: 10.1002/adma.202302259) (PMID:37086184) (Early Online Publication)

Abstract

The field of synthetic metals was, and remains, highly influential for the development of organic semiconductor materials. Yet, with the passing of time and the rapid development of conjugated materials in recent years, the link between synthetic metals and organic semiconductors is at risk of being forgotten. In this review, we reflect on one of the key concepts developed in synthetic metals – heteroatom interactions. The application of this strategy in recent organic semiconductor materials, small molecules and polymers, is highlighted, with analysis of X-ray crystal structures and comparisons with model systems used to determine the influence of these non-covalent short contacts. The case is made that the wide range of effective heteroatom interactions and the high performance that has been achieved in devices from organic solar cells to transistors is testament to the seeds sown by the synthetic metals research community.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Synthetic metals, organic semiconductors, heteroatom interactions.
• Status: Early Online Publication
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cameron, Dr Joseph and Skabara, Professor Peter and Kanibolotskyy, Dr Oleksandr
• Authors: Cameron, J., Kanibolotskyy, A. L., and Skabara, P. J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Advanced Materials
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0935-9648
• ISSN (Online): 1521-4095
• Published Online: 22 April 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Advanced Materials 2023
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
301327		`Hetero-print: A holistic approach to transfer-printing for heterogeneous integration in manufacturing	Peter Skabara	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)	EP/R03480X/1	ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering
308252		rISC - the game of strategic molecular design for high efficiency OLEDs	Peter Skabara	Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)	EP/T022477/1	Chemistry