DPP-TPT Copolymers for Organic Semiconductor Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymers for organic semiconductor applications in solar cells and field effect transistors lack high efficiency, stability, and optimal energy conversion, particularly in terms of field-effect mobility and on/off current ratios.
Innovation Solution
Development of specific copolymers with repeating units of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and thiophene-phenylene-thiophene (TPT) structures, exhibiting excellent solubility and film-forming properties, which are synthesized using Suzuki polymerization and other coupling reactions to achieve high molecular weights and controlled sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional polymers are used for organic semiconductor applications, then device fabrication is simpler, but energy conversion efficiency and field-effect mobility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining DPP (diketopyrrolopyrrole) and TPT (thiophene-phenylene-thiophene) units into a copolymer structure. This composite approach leverages the electron-accepting properties of DPP and the electron-donating characteristics of TPT to achieve superior energy conversion efficiency and field-effect mobility while maintaining solution processability through appropriate side chain engineering
2Ease of operation
If polymer solubility is improved for better film formation, then film-forming properties enhance, but molecular weight control and sequencing precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific side chain structures (such as alkoxy or alkyl groups) at particular positions on the DPP and TPT units. This localized modification enhances solubility and film-forming properties without disrupting the overall copolymer sequencing or the critical DPP-TPT alternating structure, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the length and branching of side chains on the DPP and TPT units to optimize solubility. By carefully controlling these structural parameters, the patent achieves both excellent film-forming properties and precise molecular weight control through regulated stepwise polymerization conditions
3Reliability
If stepwise polymerization is used to achieve controlled sequencing, then on/off current ratios improve, but synthesis complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the polymer synthesis into distinct steps: first forming DPP-containing units with specific functionalities, then coupling with TPT units in a controlled manner. This segmented approach enables precise sequencing control to achieve superior on/off current ratios while organizing the complex synthesis into manageable stages that can be systematically executed
4Reliability
If high molecular weight polymers are synthesized for better stability, then device stability improves, but solubility and processability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying side chain length, branching, and chemical composition to optimize the balance between molecular weight and solubility. By adjusting these parameters, the patent achieves high molecular weight polymers with excellent device stability while maintaining adequate solubility for solution processing through appropriate side chain engineering
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to polymers comprising one or more (repeating) unit(s) of the formulaor a polymer of formulaand their use as organic semiconductor in organic devices, especially in organic photovoltaics (solar cells) and photodiodes, or in a device containing a diode and/or an organic field effect transistor. The polymers according to the invention have excellent solubility in organic solvents and excellent film-forming properties. In addition, high efficiency of energy conversion, excellent field-effect mobility, good on/off current ratios and/or excellent stability can be observed, when the polymers according to the invention are used in organic field effect transistors, organic photovoltaics (solar cells) and photodiodes.