NDT-Based Semiconductors for Solution-Processable Organic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic semiconductor-based devices, such as OTFTs, OLETs, OLEDs, and OPVs, face challenges in commercial feasibility due to limitations in processability, particularly insolubility issues that hinder printing methodologies, despite achieving acceptable carrier mobilities.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymeric and molecular semiconductors with a 5,10-dialkoxynaphtho[2,3-b:6,7-b']dithiophene (NDT) moiety that exhibit excellent charge transport characteristics, low temperature processability, and solubility in common solvents, enabling high-performance field-effect devices and efficient fabrication of organic semiconductor-based devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly crystalline materials like pentacene are used to achieve high carrier mobility, then hole mobility is improved (>5 cm²/V·s), but processability deteriorates due to insolubility preventing printing methodologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the molecular structure of semiconductor materials by introducing soluble side chains and modifying crystal packing arrangements, thereby changing physical parameters such as solubility and processability while maintaining or improving charge transport properties. This allows materials to be processed from solution while retaining high carrier mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops composite organic semiconductor systems that combine highly mobile charge carriers with soluble matrix materials or functional side chains. These composite structures enable both high performance and solution processability, resolving the contradiction between mobility and manufacturability.
2Reliability
If conventional organic semiconductors are used to achieve acceptable carrier mobilities, then device performance is improved, but commercial feasibility deteriorates due to insolvency hindering printing methodologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically modifies material parameters including molecular weight, side chain length, and functional group composition to optimize both performance and processability. These parameter changes enable scaling to commercial production while maintaining device performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops semiconductor materials with multiple functional capabilities: high carrier mobility for performance, solubility for processing, and compatibility with various deposition methods. This multi-functionality makes the materials suitable for commercial manufacturing across different production methodologies.
3Ease of manufacture
If polymeric or molecular semiconductors are developed to improve processability, then solubility is improved, but device performance may deteriorate compared to highly crystalline materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces soluble side chains and functional groups at specific locations on the semiconductor backbone without disrupting the core charge transport pathways. This local modification approach maintains high mobility in the crystalline domains while improving overall solubility and processability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the semiconductor molecule into distinct functional regions: a rigid core for charge transport and flexible side chains for solubility. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its function independently, achieving both high performance and processability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are molecular and polymeric compounds having desirable properties as semiconducting materials. Such compounds can exhibit desirable electronic properties and possess processing advantages including solution-processability and/or good stability. Organic transistor and photovoltaic devices incorporating the present compounds as the active layer exhibit good device performance.