Abstract
Linear polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was investigated as a solubilizing group for π-conjugated polymers with the aim of combining high solubility in organic solvents with the molecular packing in solid films that is advantageous for charge transport. Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based copolymers with different contents and substitution patterns of the PDMS side chains were synthesized and evaluated for application in organic field-effect transistors. The PDMS side chains greatly increased the solubility of the polymers and led to shorter d-spacings of the π-stacking in the thin films compared with polymers containing conventional branched alkyl side chains.
Highlights
Organic semiconducting polymers have been widely studied for use in organic electronic devices such as organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic light-emitting diodes and organic photovoltaics
Larger π-systems are preferred for realizing superior electronic properties, because the delocalization of the charges and the strong intermolecular interactions can lead to high charge mobility in the thin films
Si0 has a lower solubility in toluene and the solution undergoes gelation during the polymerization, so the molecular weight of Si0 can be limited by the solubility of the product. This may be a possible reason why the highest molecular weight was observed when the moderate amounts of PDMS side chain were introduced, where the solubility of the polymer and the reactivity of the monomer are balanced. These results indicate that the introduction of PDMS side chains improved the solubility of the copolymers
Summary
Organic semiconducting polymers have been widely studied for use in organic electronic devices such as organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic light-emitting diodes and organic photovoltaics. An important feature of this class of materials is their capacity to be solution processed into thin films through continuous coating or printing processes This permits large-area and low-cost fabrication of the devices, which is advantageous compared with the conventional methods based on inorganic. Long and branched alkyl solubilizing groups are often introduced into the π-conjugated polymers as the side chains This can greatly improve the solubility, the large steric hindrance due to the bulky side chains impairs the π–π interaction between the main chains and leads to reduced charge mobility. Optimizing this trade-off relationship is a key target in the development of new π-conjugated polymers
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