Reversible, self cross-linking nanowires from thiol-functionalized polythiophene diblock copolymers
Brenton A G Hammer1, Marcos A Reyes-Martinez, Felicia A Bokel
1Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts , Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 17, 2014
Summary
Researchers created reversible semiconductor nanowires from P3HT-b-P3TT copolymers. These nanowires can be cross-linked and un-cross-linked, maintaining structural integrity for advanced electronic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based materials are crucial for organic electronics.
- Developing stable and processable semiconducting nanostructures remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize reversibly cross-linked semiconductor nanowires using novel diblock copolymers.
- To investigate the stability and processability of these nanostructures.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of Poly(3-hexylthiophene)-block-poly(3-(3-thioacetylpropyl) oxymethylthiophene) (P3HT)-b-(P3TT) diblock copolymers.
- Solvent-induced crystallization for nanowire formation.
- Deprotection of thioacetate to thiol, followed by oxidation to disulfide for cross-linking.
- Field-effect transistor measurements for charge transport analysis.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized P3HT-b-P3TT diblock copolymers.
- Achieved formation of reversibly cross-linked semiconductor nanowires.
- Demonstrated enhanced structural integrity of cross-linked nanowires in various solvents.
- Showcased reversible cross-linking and de-cross-linking capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Developed a novel, reversible cross-linking strategy for P3HT-based nanowires.
- The robust nanowires exhibit potential for advanced applications in organic electronics.
- The charge transport properties of these nanostructures warrant further investigation.
