Abstract
The performance of conjugated polymer devices is largely dictated by charge transport processes. However, it is difficult to obtain a clear relationship between conjugated polymer structures and charge transport properties, due to the complexity of the structure and the dispersive nature of charge transport in conjugated polymers. Here, we develop a method to map the energy landscape for charge transport in conjugated polymers based on simultaneous, correlated charge carrier tracking and single-particle fluorescence spectroscopy. In nanoparticles of the conjugated polymer poly[9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-1,4-benzo-{2,1′-3}-thiadiazole)], two dominant chain conformations were observed, a blue-emitting phase (λmax = 550 nm) and a red-emitting phase (λmax = 595 nm). Hole polarons were trapped within the red phase, only occasionally escaping into the blue phase. Polaron hopping between the red-emitting traps was observed, with transition time ranging from tens of milliseconds to several seconds. These results provide unprecedented nanoscale detail about charge transport at the single carrier level.
Highlights
The performance of conjugated polymer devices is largely dictated by charge transport processes
We extend this approach by developing a novel method to map the nanoscale energy landscape for single charge carrier transport in conjugated polymers based on simultaneous, correlated superresolution charge carrier tracking and single-particle fluorescence spectroscopy
Gaussian-shaped point spread functions (PSFs) were observed at the zeroth order fluorescence spot and long stripes were observed at the first-order diffracted fluorescence
Summary
The performance of conjugated polymer devices is largely dictated by charge transport processes. Polaron hopping between the red-emitting traps was observed, with transition time ranging from tens of milliseconds to several seconds These results provide unprecedented nanoscale detail about charge transport at the single carrier level. As a hole polaron moves inside a CPN, different parts of the nanoparticle are quenched, generating a nanoscale map of local emission characteristics inside a CPN We used this method to study nanoparticles of conjugated polymer poly[9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-1,4-benzo-{2,1′3}-thiadiazole)] (F8BT). The transition time was determined via change point analysis, and ranged from tens of milliseconds to several seconds Overall, these results provide an unprecedented, single carrier level of detail about the complex charge transport processes of conjugated polymers, and improve our understanding of the relationship between nanostructure and charge transport properties
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
