Cu-Catalyzed Direct Arylation Polycondensation Achieving Ultrahigh μC* Organic Mixed Conductors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Electronics
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Organic mixed ionic-electronic conductors (OMIECs) are crucial for energy storage and biocompatible electronics.
• Current synthesis relies on palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling, which is complex and costly.
• There is a need for simpler, more cost-effective OMIEC synthesis methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified, palladium-free synthesis for OMIECs.
• To establish a copper-catalyzed direct arylation polycondensation (Cu-DArP) methodology.
• To demonstrate the broad applicability of Cu-DArP for various OMIEC polymers.

Main Methods:

• Developed a Cu-catalyzed direct arylation polycondensation (Cu-DArP) using diazaperylene ligands.
• Utilized aryl halides and aromatic hydrocarbons in a Pd-free alternating polycondensation.
• Applied the method to synthesize over a dozen mixed-transporting polymers, including DPP-based OMIECs.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized diverse OMIEC polymers using the Cu-DArP method.
• Achieved high reactivity and yield, demonstrating compatibility with diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) structures.
• An OMIEC with a DPP-thienopyrroledione skeleton showed high mobility (6.25 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹) and ultrahigh μC* (876 F cm⁻¹ V⁻¹ s⁻¹).

Conclusions:

• Cu-DArP offers a simplified, cost-effective, and efficient synthetic route for OMIECs.
• This Pd-free approach circumvents issues associated with precious metals and organometallic reagents.
• Cu-DArP presents a promising alternative for next-generation OMIEC development and screening.