Unfolding the cocrystallization–charge transport correlation in all-conjugated triblock copolymers via meticulous molecular engineering for organic field-effect transistors. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Lixin; Zhao, Qingqing; Chen, Shuwen; Lin, Zhiqun; Peng, Juan
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 100(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Conjugated triblock copolymers -- Cocrystallization -- Molecular engineering -- Organic field-effect transistors; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107489
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: The ability to render the cocrystallization over microphase separation in all-conjugated block copolymers represents an important endeavor towards achieving enhanced charge transport. This, however, remains a grand challenge, particularly in all-conjugated triblock copolymers. Herein, we report the unravelling of the dependence of cocrystallization in all-conjugated triblock copolymers on a set of internal structural parameters, and more importantly, the scrutiny of the correlation of their unique cocrystalline structures to charge transport properties for organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Specifically, a series of poly(3-butylthiophene)- block -poly(3-alkylthiophene)- block -poly(3-hexylselenophene) triblock copolymers (denoted P3BT- b -P3AT- b -P3HS) are meticulously designed and synthesized. Intriguingly, a shorter alkyl side chain length and a shorter main chain length of the central P3AT, as well as a stronger cocrystallization ability of the two outer blocks (P3BT and P3HS), are found to favor the cocrystallization of the three dissimilar blocks in P3BT- b -P3AT- b -P3HS. Notably, the charge transport properties of P3BT- b -P3AT- b -P3HS correlate strongly to their various crystalline structures, thereby imparting their utility for high-performance OFETs. This study highlights the robustness of meticulous molecular engineering of all-conjugated multiblock copolymers in tailoring their cocrystallization behavior and in turn charge transport characteristics that underpins their advances in optoelectronic materials and devices. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: A series of (P3BT- b -P3AT- b -P3HS) triblock copolymers are meticulously designed and synthesized. A shorter alkyl chain and main chain of P3AT and a stronger cocrystallization ability of P3BT and P3HS, favor the cocrystallization. The charge transport properties of P3BT- b -P3AT- b -P3HS correlate strongly to their various crystalline structures.