Conjugated Polyelectrolytes for Optoelectronic Applications

Guillermo C. Bazan, University of California-Santa Barbara, DMR 1005546

Conjugated polyelectrolytes combine the electronic properties of organic semiconductors and those of conventional polyelectrolytes, which can be mediated by electrostatic interactions. Moreover, there is great interest in finding narrow bandgap conjugated polymers that can harvest the solar spectrum and convert this energy into electrical power. Work in the Bazan laboratory has led to the first class of narrow bandgap conjugated polyelectrolytes. Of primary significance is that the presence of cationic ionic functionalities adjacent to the electronically delocalized backbone can be used to modulate the intrinsic molecular orbital energies of the material. Moreover, it is possible to change the preferred mode of charge transport from p-type to n-type – something that is difficult to achieve by structural modifications of the backboneZachary B. Henson, Jung Hwa Seo and Guillermo C. Bazan, submitted.

Figure: The incorporation of cationic functionalities changes the preferred mode of charge carrier transport in thin film transistors from p-type to n-type.

Conjugated Polyelectrolytes for Optoelectronic Applications

Guillermo C. Bazan, University of California-Santa Barbara, DMR 1005546

Conjugated polyelectrolytes combine the electronic properties of organic semiconductors and those of conventional polyelectrolytes, which can be mediated by electrostatic interactions. Moreover, there is great interest in finding narrow bandgap conjugated polymers that can harvest the solar spectrum and convert this energy into electrical power. Work in the Bazan laboratory has led to the first class of narrow bandgap conjugated polyelectrolytes. Of primary significance is that the presence of cationic ionic functionalities adjacent to the electronically delocalized backbone can be used to modulate the intrinsic molecular orbital energies of the material. Moreover, it is possible to change the preferred mode of charge transport from p-type to n-type – something that is difficult to achieve by structural modifications of the backboneZachary B. Henson, Jung Hwa Seo and Guillermo C. Bazan, submitted.

Figure: n-Type transport is observed on a thin film of a narrow bandgap conjugated polyelectrolyte.

Professor Bazan participated in organizing the scientific fair at a primary school. He was also able to coordinate a visit by cadets at West Point’s Chemistry Department so that they could hear the projects from students in fourth grade.

Conjugated Polyelectrolytes for Optoelectronic Applications

Guillermo C. Bazan, University of California-Santa Barbara, DMR 1005546