State-of-the-art alternating semiconducting polymers, synthesized via established academic protocols, often contain homocoupling defects, causing the true structure to deviate from the anticipated perfectly alternating polymer backbone. These structural defects significantly hinder the reproducibility across different polymer batches, posing a challenge to the commercial viability of the organic semiconductor field, while simultaneously imposing performance limitations in different applications by creating defected chains, limiting the attainable molecular weight and increasing the dispersity. In this study, two synthesis methods – conventional Stille polymerization and a novel defect-free route – are employed to create the p-type accumulation mode OECT (organic electrochemical transistor) benchmark material pgBTTT. The effect of homocoupling, and its absence, is investigated by comparing the bulk properties of the two polymers and evaluating their respective OECT performances.
This study explores the impact of ethylene glycol side chain modification in pgBTTT polymers, a key component in organic electrochemical transistors. By varying the concentration of these side chains from 50% to 100%, we observed a significant influence on the polymers' volumetric capacitance, with an interesting deviation at 90% concentration. Additionally, we investigated the efficacy of blending techniques to enhance this capacitance. Two blending approaches were tested: pgBTTT with pBTTT (OR)2 and pgBTTT with pgBTTT-OEG-OR. These blends demonstrated superior volumetric capacitance compared to copolymers, especially at higher side chain ratios. Importantly, blends with matching side chain ratios exhibited improved kinetics in doping and dedoping processes. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing the structure and performance of organic electrochemical devices, paving the way for more efficient and effective electrochemical transistors and mixed conductors.
At this moment, we are still far away from understanding many neurologic diseases. However, the emergence of different bioelectronic technologies opens the pathway to fathom them once and for all. Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) can assist here, thanks to their superior recording of neurological signals. Moreover, their flexible nature allows application in non-invasive scalp electrode devices. Nevertheless, the field of OECTs is still in its infancy, and clear, rational design criteria are lacking. Hence, dedicated backbone and side-chain engineering could enlighten the structure-performance relationships for next-generation conjugated polymers that are able to transport both ions and electrons in future OECTs.
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