This
work exploits the scope of doping engineering as an enabler for better-performing
and thermally stable n-type organic thermoelectrics. A fullerene derivative
with polar triethylene glycol type side chain (PTEG-1) is doped either
by “coprocessing doping” with n-type dopants such as
n-DMBI and TBAF or by “sequential doping” through thermal
deposition of Cs2CO3. Solid-state diffusion
of Cs2CO3 appears to dope PTEG-1 in the strongest
manner, leading to the highest electrical conductivity of ∼7.5
S/cm and power factor of 32 μW/(m K2). Moreover,
the behavior of differently doped PTEG-1 films under thermal stress
is examined by electric and spectroscopic means. Cs2CO3-doped films are most stable, likely due to a coordinating
interaction between the polar side chain and Cs+-based
species, which immobilizes the dopant. The high power factor and good
thermal stability of Cs2CO3-doped PTEG-1 make
it very promising for tangible thermoelectric applications.
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