Improving the durability of nanoparticles and nanofibers
Chemical crosslinking of P3HT copolymers as a route towards physically and chemically robust nanostructures
Poly-3-Hexylthiophene (P3HT) is a common hole-transporting polymer in organic photovoltaics. As a polymer designed to crystallize, P3HT shows spectroscopic signatures of both amorphous and crystalline phases in thin-film preparations, and the interplay between these two phases is believed to be important in driving charge-separation (exciton fission) in thin-films and nanostructured assemblies (nanoparticles and nanofibers).
Crystalline nanofibers of P3HT have attracted a great deal of interest as a way to control structure in active layers, but their inherent fragility is problematic for preparations involving multiple solvents and annealing steps. We are exploring chemical crosslinking of P3HT copolymers as a route towards physically and chemically robust nanostructures with tunable internal structure. Through controlling the reaction parameters of the cross-linking, different kinds of morphologies can be programmed by tuning the concentration of the crosslinking material, initial aggregation state, and the physical properties of the crosslinker.
Ask a Question
A hallmark of the iCons experience is engaging academic and industry leaders as well as the general public in the discussion of complex problems facing society. Use the form below to pose questions to the student researchers.
Pose a question to the authors.