Unraveling the Molar Mass Dependence of Shearing-Induced Aggregation Structure of a High-Mobility Polymer Semiconductor

Aggregation-structure formation of conjugated polymers is a fundamental problem in the field of organic electronics and remains poorly understood. Herein, the molar mass dependence of the aggregation structure of a high-mobility conjugated copolymer (TDPP-Se) comprising thiophene-flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole and selenophene is thoroughly shown. Five batches of TDPP-Se are prepared with the number-average molecular weights (M-n) varied greatly from 21 to 135 kg mol(-1). Small-angle neutron scattering and transmission electron microscopy are combined to probe the solution structure of these polymers, consistently using a deuterated solvent. All the polymers adopt 1D rod-like aggregation structures and the radius of the 1D rods is not sensitive to the M-n, while the length increases monotonically with M-n. By utilizing the ordered packing of the aggregated structure in solution, a highly aligned and ordered film is prepared and, thereafter, a reliable hole mobility of 13.8 cm(2) V-1 s(-1) is realized in organic thin-film transistors with the moderate M-n batch via bar coating. The hole mobility is among the highest values reported for diketopyrrolopyrrole-based polymers. This work paves the way to visualize the real aggregated structure of polymer semiconductors in solution and sheds light on the microstructure control of high-performance electronic devices.

Automated summary

This study investigates the aggregation structure of a high-mobility conjugated copolymer and demonstrates its dependence on the molar mass. The researchers were able to prepare a highly aligned and ordered film using the ordered packing of the aggregated structure in solution, leading to a reliable hole mobility in organic thin-film transistors. The results provide insights into the microstructure control of high-performance electronic devices.