Preparation of different conjugated polymers characterized by complementary electronic properties from an identical precursor

The possibility of generating regions with different electronic properties within the same organic semiconductor thin film could offer novel opportunities for designing and fabricating organic electronic devices and circuits. This study introduces a new approach based on a novel type of highly processable polymer precursor that can yield two different conjugated polymers characterized by complementary electronic properties, i.e. promoting electron or hole transport, from the same starting material. In particular, these multipotent precursors comprise functionalized dihydroanthracene units that can offer several functionalization opportunities to improve the solubility or insert specific functionalities. This strategy also allows for the preparation of high-molecular-weight conjugated polymers comprising diethynylanthracene and anthraquinone units without the need for solubilizing side chains. Thin films of the polymer precursor can be used, after solid-state transformations, to prepare single organic layers comprising regions characterized by different chemical nature and electronic properties. Here, we present a detailed characterization of the chemical and electronic properties of the precursor and the obtained conjugated polymers, showing how it is possible to harvest their characteristics for potential applications such as electrochromic surfaces and organic field-effect transistors. A novel class of multipotent precursors is introduced that allows the in situ preparation of different conjugated polymers characterized by complementary electronic characteristics from the same precursor upon different treatments.

Automated summary

The possibility of generating regions with different electronic properties within the same organic semiconductor thin film could lead to new opportunities for designing and fabricating organic electronic devices and circuits. This study introduces a new approach using a highly processable polymer precursor to yield two different conjugated polymers with complementary electronic properties. The precursor can be functionalized to improve solubility or insert specific functionalities, and high-molecular-weight conjugated polymers can be prepared without solubilizing side chains. Thin films of the precursor can be transformed to create single organic layers with regions of different chemical nature and electronic properties.