Electron Transport Nanostructures of Conjugated Polymer Films Visualized by Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy

We have successfully measured electron transport nanostructures of conjugated polymer thin films by conductive atomic force microscopy, using an air-stable electron-injecting electrode coated with ethoxylated polyethylenimine. Electron- and hole-transport networks in donor/acceptor polymer blends can be selectively observed by using an appropriately coated electrode. This approach enables us to visualize phase-separated nanostructures of donor/acceptor polymer blends for thin-film electronic devices based on their semiconducting properties.