Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers

Conjugated polymers (CPs) are a unique class of materials because they possess the electronic properties of semi-conductors and processability of polymers. Their electronic and optical properties can be controlled by their chemical structures and conjugation length.To enhance the electron affinity of CPs, a series of boron-containing CPs were synthesized with arylene-borylene units. One of the boron-containing polymer had indeed shown the ability of quenching the photoluminescence of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), indicating possible exciton separation and charge transfer.Next, a ketone group was introduced to polythiophene to lower its LUMO level and increase the electron affinity. Regioregular poly(3-heptanoylthiophene) (PHOT) was synthesized. The polymerization was realized by Ni-catalyzed Kumada coupling with a chain-growth mechanism. Schlenk equilibrium played a key role in the generation of the monomer for the polymerization. PHOT was fully characterized by various techniques. However, only p-channel activity was observed in field-effect transistors (FETs) for PHOT. The hole mobility was one order lower than that of P3HT. Photovoltaic devices with an active layer of 1:1 blend of PHOT and PC71BM had a low power conversion efficiency of ~0.5%.Finally, the synthesis of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) was attempted which could be potentially used as a good charge carrier. To prevent intramolecular and intermolecular side reactions during Scholl reaction, the precursors, oligo-naphthalenes with alkoxy groups capping the 2, 3, 6, and 7-positions had been synthesized. Intramolecular ring fusion via the Scholl reations was tested, but no expected GNRs were formed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Polymer Science

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Akron

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Wang, Chao

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jia, Li

• Polymer Chemistry
• Conjugated Polymer
• Graphene Nanoribbon
• Organic Soalr Cells

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1362783501

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:akron1362783501