Processable Coordination Polymer Inks for Highly Conductive and Robust Coatings

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Electronics
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Conductive and semiconducting organic materials offer unique properties and processability.
• Conductive coordination polymers are of significant interest due to their modularity and tunability.
• Current limitations include processing difficulties, typically yielding powders or single crystals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a solution-phase processing method for the conductive coordination polymer, NiTTFtt (tetrathiafulvalenetetrathiolate).
• To enable the fabrication of NiTTFtt into thin films and conductive textiles.
• To investigate the conductivity and physical behavior of processed NiTTFtt.

Main Methods:

• Solution-phase processing of NiTTFtt.
• Fabrication of thin films.
• Coating of textiles with NiTTFtt.

Main Results:

• Achieved record-breaking conductivity for a coordination polymer in thin films.
• Observed unusual physical behavior in NiTTFtt films, providing insights into transport mechanisms.
• Developed conductive and durable textiles coated with NiTTFtt, resistant to various environmental and mechanical stresses.

Conclusions:

• The reported method enables solution-phase processing of NiTTFtt, overcoming previous limitations.
• NiTTFtt exhibits exceptional conductivity and durability in thin film and textile forms.
• This advancement positions NiTTFtt as a notable material in conducting organic materials and coordination polymers.