Control of Film Morphology by Folding Hydrogen-Bonded Oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) Polymers in Solution

• Published in: Macromolecules Vol. 39; no. 2; pp. 784 - 788
• Main Authors: Jonkheijm, Pascal, van Duren, Jeroen K. J, Kemerink, Martijn, Janssen, René A. J, Schenning, Albertus P. H. J, Meijer, E. W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 24.01.2006
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Energy; Exact sciences and technology; Natural energy; Organic polymers; Photovoltaic conversion; Physicochemistry of polymers; Properties and characterization; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy; Structure, morphology and analysis; Short circuit currents; Voltage current curve; Fullerene compounds; Phenylenevinylene derivative polymer; Experimental study; Oligomer; Open circuit voltage; Thin film; Photovoltaic cell; Organic solution; Solid state; Binary mixture; Conjugated polymer; Morphology; Molecular aggregation; Hydrogen bond
• ISSN: 0024-9297; 1520-5835; 1520-5835
• DOI: 10.1021/ma0520085

The film morphology of π-conjugated oligomers has been controlled by self-assembly in solution. To this end supramolecular hydrogen-bonded systems of oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) (OPV) carrying ureido-s-triazine hydrogen-bonding groups are used. Neutron scattering experiments in dodecane solutions show that columnar stacks are formed. Films with thicknesses on the order of 100 nm are made that have a supramolecular organization resembling the organization present in solution. Uniform rodlike morphological domains range over several hundreds of nanometers as shown by atomic force microscopy. The rodlike morphology of the OPVs was also preserved when blended with a C60 derivative, producing stable photovoltaic devices.