Structure and morphology optimization of poly(3-hexylthiophene) thin films onto silanized silicon oxide

• Published in: European polymer journal Vol. 48; no. 6; pp. 1050 - 1061
• Main Authors: Scavia, G., Barba, L., Arrighetti, G., Milita, S., Porzio, W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Atomic force microscopy; Atomic structure; Diffraction; Exact sciences and technology; Machinery and processing; Miscellaneous; Morphology; Optimization; Plastics; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer science; Silicon oxides; Structure and orientation; Surface interactions; Synchrotron radiation; Technology of polymers; Thin films; Tuning; X-rays; Structure and orientation; Atomic force microscopy; Synchrotron radiation; Polymer science; Surface interactions; Ultrathin films; Crystal orientation; Aromatic polymer; Head to tail polymer; Organic silane; Experimental study; Structure processing relationship; Conjugated polymer; Thiophene derivative polymer; Silicon oxides; Morphology; Spin-on coating; Organic silazane; Modified material
• ISSN: 0014-3057; 1873-1945
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2012.03.019

[Display omitted] ► Structure/morphology of differently prepared P3HT films by GIXD and AFM techniques. ► Differences in crystallinity and orientation between surface and bulk in the films. ► Determination of optimal preparation conditions in terms of orientation/structure. The influence of the preparation conditions, including substrate functionalization with common silanizers, onto structure/morphology of the overlying poly(3-hexylthiophene) thin films has been investigated by using both grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The factors determining the formation of spin-coated films suitable for applications in field effect transistors, i.e. concentration, spin-speed, and thermal treatment are addressed. We have established, by a tuning of the preparation and post-deposition treatments, the optimal conditions to get films with the required structural/morphologic features. Moreover we have shown that the macromolecules orient and organize at the interface zone (⩽10nm from the interface) better than in the upper layers, i.e. far away from the interface.