A Supramolecular Approach to Enhance the Optoelectronic Properties of P3HT-b-PEG Block Copolymer for Organic Field-Effect Transistors

Abstract

This study investigates a supramolecular approach to elucidate the interaction between an organic semiconducting molecule, specifically butyric acid-functionalized perylene diimide, and a block copolymer comprising poly-3-hexyl thiophene-b-polyethylene glycol. This interaction results in the formation of a precisely structured nanoarchitecture within the supramolecular block copolymer, driven by the ionic interplay between the block copolymer and small organic molecules. The optical properties of the synthesized supramolecular block copolymer were characterized by using ellipsometry. Additionally, further characterization employing atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction provided detailed insights into the crystallinity and morphology of the nanostructure. The characterization data showed that this approach significantly influenced the tuning of morphology, crystallinity, and optical and electronic properties of the resulting nanostructure. The demonstrated methodology holds considerable promise as a strategic tool for broadening the spectrum of attainable nanomorphologies in semiconducting polymers, particularly for applications in electronics or photovoltaics.