Innovative Application of Salophen Derivatives in Organic Electronics as a Composite Film with a Poly Matrix

• Published in: Polymers Vol. 16; no. 18
• Main Authors: Sánchez Vergara, María Elena, Jimenez Correa, Omar, Ballinas-Indilí, Ricardo, Cosme, Ismael, Álvarez Bada, José Ramón, Álvarez-Toledano, Cecilio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 01.09.2024
• Subjects: Ethylene; Resveratrol; Mexico
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym16182622

In this work, we present the innovative synthesis of salophen (acetaminosalol) derivatives in a solvent-free environment by high-speed ball milling, using a non-conventional activation method, which allowed obtaining compounds in a shorter time and with a better yield. Furthermore, for the first time, the salophen derivatives were deposited as composite films, using a matrix of poly 3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene:polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) polymer. Significant findings include the transformation from the benzoid to the quinoid form of PEDOT post-IPA treatment, as evidenced by Raman spectroscopy. SEM analysis revealed the formation of homogeneous films, and AFM provided insights into the changes in surface roughness and morphology post-IPA treatment, which may be crucial for understanding potential applications in electronics. The optical bandgap ranges between 2.86 and 3.2 eV for PEDOT:PSS-salophen films, placing them as organic semiconductors. The electrical behavior of the PEDOT:PSS-salophen films undergoes a transformation with the increase in voltage, from ohmic to space charge-limited conduction, and subsequently to constant current, with a maximum of 20 mA. These results suggest the possible use of composite films in organic electronics.