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Stable High‐Conductivity Ethylenedioxythiophene Polymers via Borane‐Adduct Doping

Journal Article · · Advanced Functional Materials
Efficient doping of polymer semiconductors is required for high conductivity and efficient thermoelectric performance. Lewis acids, e.g., B(C6F5)3, have been widely employed as dopants, but the mechanism is not fully understood. 1:1 “Wheland type” or zwitterionic complexes of B(C6F5)3are created with small conjugated molecules 3,6-bis(5-(7-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)thiophen-2-yl)-2,5-dioctyl-2,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione [oligo_DPP(EDOT)2] and 3,6-bis(5''-methyl-[2,2':5',2''-terthiophen]-5-yl)-2,5-dioctyl-2,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione [oligo_DPP(Th)2]. Using a wide variety of experimental and computational approaches, the doping ability of these Wheland Complexes with B(C6F5)3are characterized for five novel diketopyrrolopyrrole-ethylenedioxythiophene (DPP-EDOT)-based conjugated polymers. The electrical properties are a strong function of the specific conjugated molecule constituting the adduct, rather than acidic protons generated via hydrolysis of B(C6F5)3, serving as the oxidant. It is highly probable that certain repeat units/segments form adduct structures inp-type conjugated polymers which act as intermediates for conjugated polymer doping. Electronic and optical properties are consistent with the increase in hole-donating ability of polymers with their cumulative donor strengths. The doped film of polymer (DPP(EDOT)2-(EDOT)2) exhibits exceptionally good thermal and air-storage stability. The highest conductivities, ≈300 and ≈200 S cm-1, are achieved for DPP(EDOT)2-(EDOT)2doped with B(C6F5)3and its Wheland complexes.
Research Organization:
Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
National Science Foundation (NSF); USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC)
Grant/Contract Number:
FG02-07ER46465
OSTI ID:
2419235
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1995886
Journal Information:
Advanced Functional Materials, Journal Name: Advanced Functional Materials Journal Issue: 51 Vol. 32; ISSN 1616-301X
Publisher:
WileyCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Figures / Tables (9)