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Updated: Feb 14, 2026
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The Preparation and Properties of Thermo-reversibly Cross-linked Rubber Via Diels-Alder Chemistry
Published on: August 25, 2016
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Electronic Structure Characterization of Cross-Linked Sulfur Polymers
Ute B Cappel1,2, Peng Liu1, Fredrik O L Johansson2
1Division of Applied Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden.
Summary
This study explores conductive cross-linked sulfur polymers for electronics. We found selenium incorporation alters electronic structure, while LiTFSI doping shifts the Fermi level, enhancing conductivity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Solid State Physics
Background:
- Cross-linked polymers of elemental sulfur offer potential for electronic applications due to their low cost and processability.
- Elemental sulfur polymers are being investigated as alternatives to traditional semiconductor materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the electronic structure of cross-linked sulfur/diisopropenyl benzene (DIB) polymers.
- To compare two methods for enhancing polymer conductivity: selenium incorporation and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) doping.
Main Methods:
- Soft and hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SOXPES and HAXPES) were used to analyze the electronic structure.
- Two conductivity enhancement strategies were investigated: synthesis with selenium and film preparation with LiTFSI.
Main Results:
- Selenium incorporation into the polymer structure was confirmed, leading to changes in the valence-band structure.
- LiTFSI addition resulted in a Fermi level shift, indicating p-type doping of the polymer.
- A surface layer rich in TFSI anions was observed after LiTFSI treatment.
Conclusions:
- Both selenium incorporation and LiTFSI doping can modify the electronic properties of sulfur-based polymers.
- LiTFSI treatment effectively achieves p-type doping, a crucial step for electronic device fabrication.
- Further research can leverage these findings to develop advanced sulfur-based electronic materials.
Keywords:
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopycross-linkinghole-transporting materialsolar cellssulfur polymersMore Related Videos
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