Soluble Conjugated Polymer via Catalyst Cyclization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conjugated polymers formed by pyrolyzing polyacrylonitrile (PAN) are insoluble and difficult to process into films, limiting their application in photoelectric conversion devices due to their black powder shape and lack of solubility in most solvents.
Innovation Solution
A method to cyclize PAN using a catalyst and a polar organic solvent, forming a soluble conjugated polymer with C≡N and C≡C double bonds, which can be processed into a continuous integral structure as an electron donor layer in photoelectric conversion devices, enhancing their solubility and film-forming capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PAN is pyrolyzed by directly heating to form conjugated polymer, then the conjugated polymer has high conductivity and charge storage property, but the conjugated polymer forms a black powder shape and is insoluble in most solvents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing parameters from direct pyrolysis to solution-phase cyclization by heating the PAN solution with catalyst at controlled temperatures (80-300°C). This parameter change transforms the product from insoluble black powder to soluble conjugated polymer while maintaining the desired electrical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a catalyst (metal powder, metal oxide powder, or metal salt) as an intermediary substance that enables the cyclization of PAN in solution phase. The catalyst mediates the transformation process, allowing formation of conjugated polymer with preserved solubility and processability
2Reliability
If conjugated polymer is formed by direct heating of PAN, then the polymer has high conductivity, but it is difficult to be processed into a film in the photoelectric conversion device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from solid powder to dissolved solution form by conducting the cyclization reaction in polar organic solvents. This enables the conjugated polymer to be processed into films through conventional coating techniques while maintaining high conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary dissolution of PAN in polar organic solvent before cyclization, creating a solution that can be easily coated and processed into films. This preliminary action enables subsequent film formation without compromising the electrical properties of the final product
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cyclized PAN polymer is soluble in organic solvents, allowing for the formation of a continuous integral structure that improves photoelectric conversion efficiency and facilitates processing into films, expanding the polymer's applications in photoelectric conversion devices.
Implementation Method 1
A method to cyclize PAN using a catalyst and a polar organic solvent, forming a soluble conjugated polymer with C≡N and C≡C double bonds
Implementation Method 2
The cyclized PAN polymer is soluble in organic solvents, allowing for the formation of a continuous integral structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for making a conjugated polymer. In the method, polyacrylonitrile, a solvent, and a catalyst are provided. The polyacrylonitrile is dissolved in the solvent to form a polyacrylonitrile solution. The catalyst is uniformly dispersed into the polyacrylonitrile solution. The polyacrylonitrile solution with the catalyst is heated to induce a cyclizing reaction of the polyacrylonitrile, thereby forming a conjugated polymer solution with the conjugated polymer dissolved therein.