Two-Dimensional Conjugated Polymer Synthesized by Interfacial Suzuki Reaction: Towards Electronic Device Applications | JoVE Visualize

Two-Dimensional Conjugated Polymer Synthesized by Interfacial Suzuki Reaction: Towards Electronic Device Applications

Chenguang Li¹, Yongshuai Wang^2,3, Ye Zou²

¹Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Optoelectronic Sciences, Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences, Tianjin University&Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, 300072, China.

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)|March 21, 2020

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers developed a new semiconducting two-dimensional conjugated polymer (2DCP), 2D polytriethyltriindole (2DPTTI), using an interfacial Suzuki reaction. This material shows promise for advanced organic electronics and UV optoelectronic applications.

Area of Science:

Materials Science
Organic Chemistry
Polymer Chemistry

Background:

Two-dimensional conjugated polymers (2DCPs) offer unique electronic and optical properties but are challenging to synthesize with controlled structures.
Developing new 2DCPs is crucial for advancing organic electronics, particularly for applications requiring specific semiconducting characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

To synthesize a novel 2DCP, 2D polytriethyltriindole (2DPTTI), with controlled structure and desirable semiconducting properties.
To evaluate the optoelectronic performance of 2DPTTI films in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).
To establish a general synthetic strategy for creating various semiconducting 2DCPs.

Main Methods:

A modified interfacial Suzuki reaction was employed for the synthesis of 2DPTTI from 2,7,12-tribromo-5,10,15-triethyltriindole (2-BrTTI) and 1,4-benzenediboronic acid dipinacol ester (BADE).
Wafer-scale free-standing 2DPTTI films with thicknesses ranging from 2.5 to 46.0 nm were fabricated by controlling experimental conditions.
The synthesized 2DPTTI films were characterized and tested as active layers in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs).

Main Results:

Efficient room-temperature synthesis of 2DPTTI was achieved via the interfacial Suzuki reaction.
Wafer-scale films of 2DPTTI with tunable thicknesses were successfully produced.
2DPTTI films demonstrated p-type semiconducting behavior in OFETs, exhibiting high photosensitivity (3.7×10^3) and responsivity (1.4×10^3 A/W) for UV optoelectronics.
The material also displayed light-blue fluorescence.

Conclusions:

The study successfully synthesized a novel 2DCP, 2DPTTI, with excellent semiconducting and optoelectronic properties.
The developed interfacial Suzuki reaction provides a versatile platform for the synthesis of various functional 2DCPs.
2DPTTI holds significant potential for applications in multifunctional organic electronics, particularly in UV optoelectronic devices.