Macromolecular scaffolding: the relationship between nanoscale architecture and function in multichromophoric arrays for organic electronics.
The optimization of the electronic properties of molecular materials based on optically or electrically active organic building blocks requires a fine-tuning of their self-assembly properties at surfaces. Such a fine-tuning can be obtained on a scale up to 10 nm by mastering principles of supramolecular chemistry, i.e., by using suitably designed molecules interacting via pre-programmed noncovalent forces. The control and fine-tuning on a greater length scale is more difficult and challenging. This Research News highlights recent results we obtained on a new class of macromolecules that possess a very rigid backbone and side chains that point away from this backbone. Each side chain contains an organic semiconducting moiety, whose position and electronic interaction with neighboring moieties are dictated by the central macromolecular scaffold. A combined experimental and theoretical approach has made it possible to unravel the physical and chemical properties of this system across multiple length scales. The (opto)electronic properties of the new functional architectures have been explored by constructing prototypes of field-effect transistors and solar cells, thereby providing direct insight into the relationship between architecture and function.
Palermo
Vincenzo
V
Instituto per la Sintesi Organica e la Fotoreattività, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bologna, Italy. palermo@isof.cnr.it
Schwartz
Erik
E
Finlayson
Chris E
CE
Liscio
Andrea
A
Otten
Matthijs B J
MB
Trapani
Sara
S
Müllen
Klaus
K
Beljonne
David
D
Friend
Richard H
RH
Nolte
Roeland J M
RJ
Rowan
Alan E
AE
Samorì
Paolo
P
D003486:Cyanides / Q000737:chemistry; D004581:Electronics; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D012993:Solar Energy; D014173:Transistors, Electronic
D003486:Cyanides; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011108:Polymers