P3HT/graphene composites synthesized using In situ GRIM methods

Poly(3-hexylthiophene)/graphene (P3HT/G) materials are synthesized using an in situ Grignard metathesis approach. The structural properties and spectroscopy of the materials are studied using NMR, FTIR, and UV-vis absorption spectroscopies, wide-angle X-ray scattering, atomic force microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. P3HT regioregularities 90% are observed in composites with approximate graphene compositions as high as 20% by weight. H-1 and C-13 NMR spectra of liquid phase dispersions reveal signals that are not observed in pristine P3HT. The intensity of these signals correlates with the graphene content, thereby indicating that the graphene is influencing the polymerization process. Anomalous features in the FTIR spectra of P3HT/G powders are also observed. AFM images of P3HT/G films show morphological differences between P3HT on graphene compared with P3HT domains on the silicon substrates. Cyclic voltammetry reveals a monotonic decrease in the energy of the HOMO and LUMO levels of P3HT with increasing graphene loading. (c) 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 60-76