Charge transport in liquid crystal network of terthiophene-siloxane block molecules. Issue 92 (1st November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sakaino, Hirotoshi; Meskers, Stefan C. J.; Meijer, E. W.; Vantomme, Ghislaine
• Is Part Of: Chemical communications. Volume 58:Issue 92(2022)
• Page Start: 12819
• Page End: 12822
• Publication Date: 2022-11-01
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1039/d2cc04911b
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-7345

Abstract

Abstract : We report that mesogens consisting of a terthiophene core and discrete oligodimethylsiloxane side-chains terminated by acrylate units can be photopolymerized in the columnar phase with retention of nanoscale order and charge transport capabilities. Abstract : In their thermotropic liquid-crystalline state, molecular semiconductors can show charge transport with high carrier mobility. Polymerization of the corresponding mesogens into a cross-linked network often deteriorates the charge transport. Here, we report that mesogens consisting of a terthiophene core and discrete oligodimethylsiloxane side-chains terminated by acrylate units can be photopolymerized in the columnar phase with retention of nanoscale order and charge transport capabilities. We argue that the strong tendency for microphase segregation protects the semiconducting block from reacting with free radicals during polymerization. This work provides new insights into the design of electroactive materials with charge transport properties.