Polymeric Semiconductors for High Mobility and Solution Processability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current organic semiconductor materials face challenges in achieving high charge carrier mobilities, stability, and cost-effective processing, particularly for p-type and n-type semiconductors used in optoelectronic devices, due to limitations in solution viscosity and processing methodologies.
Innovation Solution
Development of organic semiconducting polymers with specific repeating units, such as naphtho[1,2-d:5,6-d]bis[1,2,3]thiadiazole groups, that exhibit excellent charge transport characteristics, chemical stability, and low-temperature processability, enabling high-performance field-effect devices and efficient fabrication of optoelectronic devices like OTFTs, OPVs, and OLEDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If molecular semiconductors are used to achieve high charge carrier mobilities, then device performance is improved, but processability via printing methodologies deteriorates due to solution viscosity requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and molecular weight parameters by transitioning from low-molecular-weight semiconductor compounds to high-molecular-weight polymeric semiconductors. This parameter change maintains adequate charge carrier mobility while dramatically improving solution processability and enabling printing methodologies, as polymers can be processed from less viscous solutions compared to molecular semiconductors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite polymeric semiconductor materials that combine the beneficial properties of high charge carrier mobility with improved processability. These composite polymer structures integrate conjugated backbone systems with appropriate side chains and functional groups to achieve both high performance and ease of manufacture through solution processing
2Ease of manufacture
If polymeric semiconductors are developed for low-temperature processability, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but charge transport characteristics may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight and structural parameters of the polymeric semiconductors to achieve a balance between processability and performance. By controlling polymer chain length, molecular weight distribution, and structural regularity, the patent enables low-temperature processing while maintaining adequate charge transport characteristics for device operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces localized structural features such as specific side chain configurations, functional group placements, and molecular weight distributions that enhance charge transport at critical regions while maintaining overall processability. This local optimization allows low-temperature processing without sacrificing essential charge transport properties
3Reliability
If organic semiconductor materials are designed for high stability in ambient conditions, then device durability is improved, but processing versatility and solubility may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymeric semiconductor structure into distinct functional domains: a stable conjugated backbone for charge transport and ambient stability, and processable side chains with solubilizing groups. This segmentation allows the core structure to maintain high stability while the peripheral groups provide processing versatility and solubility in common solvents
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs composite polymeric structures that integrate stable conjugated core systems with processable peripheral functional groups. This composite approach creates materials that simultaneously achieve high ambient stability for device durability and processing versatility for multiple fabrication methodologies including solution processing and printing
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings relate to new semiconducting polymers including an optionally substituted naphtho[1,2-d:5,6-d]bis[1,2,3]thiadiazole moiety, an optionally substituted naphtho[2,1-d:6,5-d]bis[1,2,3]thiadiazole moiety, or a chalcogen analog thereof. The present polymers can be used to prepare thin film semiconductor components which can be incorporated into various electronic, optical, and optoelectronic devices.