Characterization and Optimization of the Electrical Conductivity of a Semi-crystalline Conjugated Polymer PBTTT upon Doping

Abstract

Semiconducting polymers have been investigated intensively in recent years due to its unique electronic properties and mechanical flexibility that could enable them to be used in a broad range of electronic applications. The electrical properties can be tuned and optimized via chemical doping which enable charge transfer between dopant molecules and organic materials. For each material, how processing conditions impact their electronic properties needs to be understood. Here, we use a representative semi-crystalline conjugated polymer poly(2,5-bis(3-teradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene)(PBTTT) to investigate how doping methods used, different dopant species and different thickness of polymers affect its electrical conductivity. We demonstrate that a combination of processing parameter could lead to the improved electrical conductivity of PBTTT thin film and point directions for future development of polymers with better electrical conductivity.