title: Template-based preparation of free-standing semiconducting polymeric nanorod arrays on conductive substrates.
abstract: We describe the synthesis and characterization of a cross-linkable siloxane-derivatized tetraphenylbenzidine (DTMS-TPD), which was used for the fabrication of semiconducting highly ordered nanorod arrays on conductive indium tin oxide or Pt-coated substrates. The stepwise process allow fabricating of macroscopic areas of well-ordered free-standing nanorod arrays, which feature a high resistance against organic solvents, semiconducting properties and a good adhesion to the substrate. Thin films of the TPD derivate with good hole-conducting properties could be prepared by cross-linking and covalently attaching to hydroxylated substrates utilizing an initiator-free thermal curing at 160 degrees C. The nanorod arrays composed of cross-linked DTMS-TPD were fabricated by an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template approach. Furthermore, the nanorod arrays were investigated by a recently introduced method allowing to probe local conductivity on fragile structures. It revealed that more than 98% of the nanorods exhibit electrical conductance and consequently feature a good electrical contact to the substrate. The prepared nanorod arrays have the potential to find application in the fabrication of multilayered device architectures for building well-ordered bulk-heterojunction solar cells.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Niko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Haberkorn
authors.forename: Stefan A L
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Rüdiger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Berger
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Theato
mesh_terms: D000537:Aluminum Oxide / Q000737:chemistry; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004738:Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D008422:Materials Testing; D008956:Models, Chemical; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012666:Semiconductors; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature
chemical_list: D009930:Organic Chemicals; D011108:Polymers; D000537:Aluminum Oxide