Tuning orientation and ordering of D-A type copolymer semiconductors

    In recent years, the electron accepting diketo pyrrolopyrrole (DPP) moiety has been receiving a remarkable attention for constructing donor-acceptor (D-A) type organic semiconductors for a variety of applications, particularly for organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) and organic photovoltaics (OPVs) as compared to commercialize polymers like poly alkylthiophenes. However, weak van der Waals interaction within the polymers is one of the major reasons for their rather low charge carrier mobility. A copolymer consists of both electron-accepting (DPP) and electron-donating (thionothiophene or TT) units would have large intermolecular overlapping through π-π stacking. Further the strong interactions between the donors and acceptors, shorten the distance between polymer chains, results in more crystalline structures which would facilitate the charge carrier transport. PDPP-2T-TT is one such D-A type copolymer, which shows remarkable thermal and photo stabilities. Also, it is easily soluble in organic solvents due to the presence of long-branched alkyl side chains. This copolymer tends to crystallize into lamellar stacks, along with some amorphous interlamellar regions in thin films. The degree of ordering of these lamellar stacks and their orientation on the substrate are very important to use them in the active layer of electronic devices. To achieve a better charge carrier mobility, it is very important to enhance the EO lamellar regions on the PDPP-2T-TT films, through optimization of pre-deposition and/or post-deposition conditions, which are in progress.



Updated: 01 Oct 2021