1
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Zhu W, Qiu X, Laulainen JEM, Un HL, Ren X, Xiao M, Freychet G, Vacek P, Tjhe D, He Q, Wood W, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Qu Z, Asatryan J, Martin J, Heeney M, McNeill CR, Midgley PA, Jacobs IE, Sirringhaus H. Enhancing the Conductivity and Thermoelectric Performance of Semicrystalline Conducting Polymers through Controlled Tie Chain Incorporation. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2310480. [PMID: 38669281 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202310480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Conjugated polymers are promising materials for thermoelectric applications, however, at present few effective and well-understood strategies exist to further advance their thermoelectric performance. Here a new model system is reported for a better understanding of the key factors governing their thermoelectric properties: aligned, ribbon-phase poly[2,5-bis(3-dodecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene] (PBTTT) doped by ion-exchange doping. Using a range of microstructural and spectroscopic methods, the effect of controlled incorporation of tie-chains between the crystalline domains is studied through blending of high and low molecular weight chains. The tie chains provide efficient transport pathways between crystalline domains and lead to significantly enhanced electrical conductivity of 4810 S cm-1, which is not accompanied by a reduction in Seebeck coefficient or a large increase in thermal conductivity. Respectable power factors of 173 µW m-1 K-2 are demonstrated in this model system. The approach is generally applicable to a wide range of semicrystalline conjugated polymers and could provide an effective pathway for further enhancing their thermoelectric properties and overcome traditional trade-offs in optimization of thermoelectric performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjin Zhu
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Xinkai Qiu
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Joonatan E M Laulainen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK
| | - Hio-Leng Un
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Xinglong Ren
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Mingfei Xiao
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | | | - Petr Vacek
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK
| | - Dion Tjhe
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Qiao He
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, SW72AZ, UK
| | - William Wood
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Zichen Wang
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Youcheng Zhang
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Zhengkang Qu
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Jesika Asatryan
- Centro de Investigacións Tecnolóxicas (CIT), Campus Industrial de Ferrol, Universidade da Coruña, Esteiro, Ferrol, 15471, Spain
| | - Jaime Martin
- Centro de Investigacións Tecnolóxicas (CIT), Campus Industrial de Ferrol, Universidade da Coruña, Esteiro, Ferrol, 15471, Spain
- POLYMAT Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
| | - Martin Heeney
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, SW72AZ, UK
| | - Christopher R McNeill
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Paul A Midgley
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0FS, UK
| | - Ian E Jacobs
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
| | - Henning Sirringhaus
- Optoelectronics Group, Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
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2
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Svoboda R, Machotová J. How Depolymerization-Based Plasticization Affects the Process of Cold Crystallization in Poly(P-Dioxanone). Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400369. [PMID: 38923170 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The self-plasticization, i.e., the increase in the polymer chains' mobility by including its monomer, has a major impact on a polymer's structural, thermal, and mechanical properties. In this study, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), optical and Raman microscopies, thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA), size exclusion chromatography equipped with a multi-angle light scattering detector (SEC-MALS), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) are used to investigate the effect of thermally induced self-plasticization of poly-(p-dioxanone), PDX, on the crystal growths from the amorphous and molten states. Significant changes in the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of PDX are found only for samples self-plasticized at the depolymerization temperature (Td) above 150 °C. The intense self-plasticization leads to the decrease of the crystallization temperature, increase of the crystal growth rapidity, disappearance of the distinct α→α' polymorphic transition, reduction of the overall melting temperature, and segregation of the redundant monomer. Although the morphology of the crystalline phase has a major impact on the mechanical properties of PDX, the self-plasticization itself does not seem to result in any major changes in the magnitude, localization, or morphology of formed crystallites (these are primarily driven by the temperature of crystal growth). The manifestation of the variable activation energy concept is discussed for the present crystallization data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Svoboda
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, Pardubice, 53210, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Machotová
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Macromolecular Materials, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Studentská 573, Pardubice, 53210, Czech Republic
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3
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Riera-Galindo S, Sanz-Lleó M, Gutiérrez-Fernández E, Ramos N, Mas-Torrent M, Martín J, López-Mir L, Campoy-Quiles M. High Polymer Molecular Weight Yields Solar Cells with Simultaneously Improved Performance and Thermal Stability. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311735. [PMID: 38279561 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Simple synthetic routes, high active layer thickness tolerance as well as stable organic solar cells are relentlessly pursued as key enabling traits for the upscaling of organic photovoltaics. Here, the potential to address these issues by tuning donor polymer molecular weight is investigated. Specifically, the focus is on PTQ10, a polymer with low synthetic complexity, with number average molecular weights of 2.4, 6.2, 16.8, 52.9, and 54.4 kDa, in combination with three different non-fullerene acceptors, namely Y6, Y12, and IDIC. Molecular weight, indeed, unlocks a threefold increase in power conversion efficiency for these blends. Importantly, efficiencies above 10% for blade coated devices with thicknesses between 200 and 350 nm for blends incorporating high molecular weight donor are shown. Spectroscopic, GIWAXS and charge carrier mobility data suggest that the strong photocurrent improvement with molecular weight is related to both, improved electronic transport and polymer contribution to exciton generation. Moreover, it is demonstrated that solar cells based on high molecular weight PTQ10 are more thermally stable due to a higher glass transition temperature, thus also improving device stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Riera-Galindo
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona ICMAB-CSIC, Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Sanz-Lleó
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona ICMAB-CSIC, Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Eurecat Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Unit of Printed Electronics & Embedded Devices, Av. d'Ernest Lluch 36, Mataró, 08302, Spain
| | - Edgar Gutiérrez-Fernández
- POLYMAT and Polymer Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
| | - Nicolás Ramos
- POLYMAT and Polymer Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
| | - Marta Mas-Torrent
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona ICMAB-CSIC, Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaime Martín
- POLYMAT and Polymer Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
- Universidade da Coruña, Campus Industrial de Ferrol, CITENI, Esteiro, Ferrol, 15403, Spain
| | - Laura López-Mir
- Eurecat Centre Tecnològic de Catalunya, Unit of Printed Electronics & Embedded Devices, Av. d'Ernest Lluch 36, Mataró, 08302, Spain
| | - Mariano Campoy-Quiles
- Institute of Materials Science of Barcelona ICMAB-CSIC, Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Paleti SHK, Kim Y, Kimpel J, Craighero M, Haraguchi S, Müller C. Impact of doping on the mechanical properties of conjugated polymers. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:1702-1729. [PMID: 38265833 PMCID: PMC10876084 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00833a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Conjugated polymers exhibit a unique portfolio of electrical and electrochemical behavior, which - paired with the mechanical properties that are typical for macromolecules - make them intriguing candidates for a wide range of application areas from wearable electronics to bioelectronics. However, the degree of oxidation or reduction of the polymer can strongly impact the mechanical response and thus must be considered when designing flexible or stretchable devices. This tutorial review first explores how the chain architecture, processing as well as the resulting nano- and microstructure impact the rheological and mechanical properties. In addition, different methods for the mechanical characterization of thin films and bulk materials such as fibers are summarized. Then, the review discusses how chemical and electrochemical doping alter the mechanical properties in terms of stiffness and ductility. Finally, the mechanical response of (doped) conjugated polymers is discussed in the context of (1) organic photovoltaics, representing thin-film devices with a relatively low charge-carrier density, (2) organic thermoelectrics, where chemical doping is used to realize thin films or bulk materials with a high doping level, and (3) organic electrochemical transistors, where electrochemical doping allows high charge-carrier densities to be reached, albeit accompanied by significant swelling. In the future, chemical and electrochemical doping may not only allow modulation and optimization of the electrical and electrochemical behavior of conjugated polymers, but also facilitate the design of materials with a tunable mechanical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Harish Kumar Paleti
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Youngseok Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Joost Kimpel
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Mariavittoria Craighero
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Shuichi Haraguchi
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Christian Müller
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Göteborg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Chalmers University of Technology, 41296 Göteborg, Sweden.
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5
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Luo S, Li Y, Li N, Cao Z, Zhang S, Ocheje MU, Gu X, Rondeau-Gagné S, Xue G, Wang S, Zhou D, Xu J. Real-time correlation of crystallization and segmental order in conjugated polymers. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:196-206. [PMID: 37807887 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00956d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Modulating the segmental order in the morphology of conjugated polymers is widely recognized as a crucial factor for achieving optimal electronic properties and mechanical deformability. However, it is worth noting that the segmental order is typically associated with the crystallization process, which can result in rigid and brittle long-range ordered crystalline domains. To precisely control the morphology, a comprehensive understanding of how highly anisotropic conjugated polymers form segmentally ordered structures with ongoing crystallization is essential, yet currently elusive. To fill this knowledge gap, we developed a novel approach with a combination of stage-type fast scanning calorimetry and micro-Raman spectroscopy to capture the series of specimens with a continuum in the polymer percent crystallinity and detect the segmental order in real-time. Through the investigation of conjugated polymers with different backbones and side-chain structures, we observed a generally existing phenomenon that the degree of segmental order saturates before the maximum crystallinity is achieved. This disparity allows the conjugated polymers to achieve good charge carrier mobility while retaining good segmental dynamic mobility through the tailored treatment. Moreover, the crystallization temperature to obtain optimal segmental order can be predicted based on Tg and Tm of conjugated polymers. This in-depth characterization study provides fundamental insights into the evolution of segmental order during crystallization, which can aid in designing and controlling the optoelectronic and mechanical properties of conjugated polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaochuan Luo
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, P. R. China
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology, MOE, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Yukun Li
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology, MOE, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Nan Li
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Cao
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406, USA
| | - Song Zhang
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406, USA
| | - Michael U Ocheje
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Xiaodan Gu
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406, USA
| | - Simon Rondeau-Gagné
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Gi Xue
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology, MOE, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Sihong Wang
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Nanoscience and Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA.
| | - Dongshan Zhou
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology, MOE, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Jie Xu
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
- Nanoscience and Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, USA.
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6
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Qu T, Nan G, Ouyang Y, Bieketuerxun B, Yan X, Qi Y, Zhang Y. Structure-Property Relationship, Glass Transition, and Crystallization Behaviors of Conjugated Polymers. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4268. [PMID: 37959948 PMCID: PMC10649048 DOI: 10.3390/polym15214268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Conjugated polymers have gained considerable interest due to their unique structures and promising applications in areas such as optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and flexible electronics. This review focuses on the structure-property relationship, glass transition, and crystallization behaviors of conjugated polymers. Understanding the relationship between the molecular structure of conjugated polymers and their properties is essential for optimizing their performance. The glass transition temperature (Tg) plays a key role in determining the processability and application of conjugated polymers. We discuss the mechanisms underlying the glass transition phenomenon and explore how side-chain interaction affects Tg. The crystallization behavior of conjugated polymers significantly impacts their mechanical and electrical properties. We investigate the nucleation and growth processes, as well as the factors that influence the crystallization process. The development of the three generations of conjugated polymers in controlling the crystalline structure and enhancing polymer ordering is also discussed. This review highlights advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and thermal analysis, which provide insights into molecular ordering and polymer-crystal interfaces. This review provides an insight of the structure-property relationship, glass transition, and crystallization behaviors of conjugated polymers. It serves as a foundation for further research and development of conjugated polymer-based materials with enhanced properties and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengfei Qu
- University and College Key Lab of Natural Product Chemistry and Application in Xinjiang, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China
| | - Guangming Nan
- University and College Key Lab of Natural Product Chemistry and Application in Xinjiang, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China
| | - Yan Ouyang
- University and College Key Lab of Natural Product Chemistry and Application in Xinjiang, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China
| | - Bahaerguli. Bieketuerxun
- University and College Key Lab of Natural Product Chemistry and Application in Xinjiang, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China
| | - Xiuling Yan
- University and College Key Lab of Natural Product Chemistry and Application in Xinjiang, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China
| | - Yunpeng Qi
- University and College Key Lab of Natural Product Chemistry and Application in Xinjiang, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yili Normal University, Yining 835000, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Spin Electron and Nanomaterials of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou 234000, China
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7
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Pirela V, Campoy-Quiles M, Müller AJ, Martín J. Unraveling the Influence of the Preexisting Molecular Order on the Crystallization of Semiconducting Semicrystalline Poly(9,9-di- n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl (PFO). CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2022; 34:10744-10751. [PMID: 36530941 PMCID: PMC9754006 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.2c02917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the complex crystallization process of semiconducting polymers is key for the advance of organic electronic technologies as the optoelectronic properties of these materials are intimately connected to their solid-state microstructure. These polymers often have semirigid backbones and flexible side chains, which results in a strong tendency to organize/order in the liquid state. Therefore, crystallization of these materials frequently occurs from liquid states that exhibit-at least partial-molecular order. However, the impact of the preexisting molecular order on the crystallization process of semiconducting polymers- indeed, of any polymer-remained hitherto unknown. This study uses fast scanning calorimetry (FSC) to probe the crystallization kinetics of poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl (PFO) from both an isotropic disordered melt state (ISO state) and a liquid-crystalline ordered state (NEM state). Our results demonstrate that the preexisting molecular order has a profound impact on the crystallization of PFO. More specifically, it favors the formation of effective crystal nucleation centers, speeding up the crystallization kinetics at the early stages of phase transformation. However, samples crystallized from the NEM state require longer times to reach full crystallization (during the secondary crystallization stage) compared to those crystallized from the ISO state, likely suggesting that the preexisting molecular order slows down the advance in the latest stages of the crystallization, that is, those governed by molecular diffusion. The fitting of the data with the Avrami model reveals different crystallization mechanisms, which ultimately result in a distinct semicrystalline morphology and photoluminescence properties. Therefore, this work highlights the importance of understanding the interrelationships between processing, structure, and properties of polymer semiconductors and opens the door for performing fundamental investigations via newly developed FSC methodologies of such materials that otherwise are not possible with conventional techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pirela
- POLYMAT
and Department of Polymers and Advanced Materials: Physics, Chemistry,
and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University
of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, Donostia-San
Sebastián20018, Spain
| | - Mariano Campoy-Quiles
- Institute
of Materials Science of Barcelona, ICMAB-CSIC, Campus UAB, Bellaterra08193, Spain
| | - Alejandro J. Müller
- POLYMAT
and Department of Polymers and Advanced Materials: Physics, Chemistry,
and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University
of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, Donostia-San
Sebastián20018, Spain
- IKERBASQUE,
Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, Bilbao48009, Spain
| | - Jaime Martín
- POLYMAT
and Department of Polymers and Advanced Materials: Physics, Chemistry,
and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, University
of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, Donostia-San
Sebastián20018, Spain
- IKERBASQUE,
Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, Bilbao48009, Spain
- Universidade
da Coruña, Campus Industrial de Ferrol, CITENI, Esteiro, Ferrol15403, Spain
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8
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Structural evolutions of the amorphous fraction of polyethylene terephthalate during the secondary crystallization. POLYMER 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.124987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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9
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Enthalpy relaxation of unconstrained and constrained amorphous phase for low isotacticity polypropylene. POLYMER 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.124991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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10
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Zhang R, Jariyavidyanont K, Zhuravlev E, Schick C, Androsch R. Zero-Entropy-Production Melting Temperature of Crystals of Poly(butylene succinate) Formed at High Supercooling of the Melt. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Interdisciplinary Center for Transfer-oriented Research in Natural Sciences (IWE TFN), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Katalee Jariyavidyanont
- Interdisciplinary Center for Transfer-oriented Research in Natural Sciences (IWE TFN), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Evgeny Zhuravlev
- Institute of Physics, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany
| | - Christoph Schick
- Institute of Physics, University of Rostock, 18051 Rostock, Germany
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - René Androsch
- Interdisciplinary Center for Transfer-oriented Research in Natural Sciences (IWE TFN), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle/Saale, Germany
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11
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Chaney TP, Levin AJ, Schneider SA, Toney MF. Scattering techniques for mixed donor-acceptor characterization in organic photovoltaics. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2022; 9:43-60. [PMID: 34797358 DOI: 10.1039/d1mh01219c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Precise control of the complex morphology of organic photovoltaic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) active layers remains an important yet challenging approach for improving power conversion efficiency. Of particular interest are the interfacial regions between electron donor and acceptor molecules where charge separation and charge recombination occur. Often, these interfaces feature a molecularly mixed donor-acceptor phase. This mixed phase has been extensively studied in polymer:fullerene systems but is poorly understood in state-of-the-art polymer:non-fullerene acceptor blends. Accurate, quantitative characterization of this mixed phase is critical to unraveling its importance for charge separation and recombination processes within the BHJ. Here, we detail X-ray and neutron scattering characterization techniques and analysis methods to quantify the mixed phase within BHJ active layers. We then review the existing literature where these techniques have been successfully used on several different material systems and correlated to device performance. Finally, future challenges for characterizing non-fullerene acceptor systems are addressed, and emerging strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas P Chaney
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Andrew J Levin
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
| | - Sebastian A Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA
| | - Michael F Toney
- Materials Science and Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
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12
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Yu L, Pavlica E, Li R, Zhong Y, Silva C, Bratina G, Müller C, Amassian A, Stingelin N. Conjugated Polymer Mesocrystals with Structural and Optoelectronic Coherence and Anisotropy in Three Dimensions. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2103002. [PMID: 34676923 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202103002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Semiconducting mesocrystalline bulk polymer specimens that exhibit near-intrinsic properties using channel-die pressing are demonstrated. A predominant edge-on orientation is obtained for poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) throughout 2 mm-thick/wide samples. This persistent mesocrystalline arrangement at macroscopic scales allows reliable evaluation of the electronic charge-transport anisotropy along all three crystallographic axes, with high mobilities found along the π-stacking. Indeed, charge-carrier mobilities of up to 2.3 cm2 V-1 s-1 are measured along the π-stack, which are some of the highest mobilities reported for polymers at low charge-carrier densities (drop-cast films display mobilities of maximum ≈10-3 cm2 V-1 s-1 ). The structural coherence also leads to an unusually well-defined photoluminescence line-shape characteristic of an H-aggregate (measured from the surface perpendicular to the materials flow), rather than the typical HJ-aggregate feature usually found for P3HT. The approach is widely applicable: to electrical conductors and materials used in n-type devices, such as poly{[N,N'-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5'-(2,2'-bithiophene)} (N2200) where the mesocrystalline structure leads to high electron transport along the polymer backbones (≈1.3 cm2 V-1 s-1 ). This versatility and the broad applicability of channel-die pressing signifies its promise as a straightforward, readily scalable method to fabricate bulk semiconducting polymer structures at macroscopic scales with properties typically accessible only by the tedious growth of single crystals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, P. R. China
| | - Egon Pavlica
- Laboratory of Organic Matter Physics, University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, Nova Gorica, SI-5000, Slovenia
| | - Ruipeng Li
- NSLS II, Brookhaven National Lab, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Yufei Zhong
- Laboratory of Polymer Materials and Engineering, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, NingboTech University, Ningbo, 315100, P. R. China
| | - Carlos Silva
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0400, USA
| | - Gvido Bratina
- Laboratory of Organic Matter Physics, University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska 13, Nova Gorica, SI-5000, Slovenia
| | - Christian Müller
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, 41296, Sweden
| | - Aram Amassian
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Organic and Carbon Electronics Laboratories (ORaCEL), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Natalie Stingelin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332-0400, USA
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13
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Yang HR, Chen YY, Sun HS, Tung SH, Huang SL, Huang PC, Lee JJ, Lai YY. Strengthening the Intrachain Interconnection of Polymers by the Naphthalene Diimide–Pyrene Complementary Interactions. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hau-Ren Yang
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Yu Chen
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Han-Sheng Sun
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Huang Tung
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Shou-Ling Huang
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chia Huang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
| | - Jey-Jau Lee
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu 30076, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ying Lai
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
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14
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Androsch R, Toda A, Furushima Y, Schick C. Insertion‐Crystallization‐Induced Low‐Temperature Annealing Peaks in Melt‐Crystallized Poly(
l
‐Lactic Acid). MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.202100177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- René Androsch
- Interdisciplinary Center for Transfer‐oriented Research in Natural Sciences Martin Luther University Halle‐Wittenberg Saale Halle 06099 Germany
| | - Akihiko Toda
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering Hiroshima University Higashi Hiroshima 739‐8521 Japan
| | - Yoshitomo Furushima
- Materials Characterization Laboratories Toray Research Center Inc. 3–7, Sonoyama 3‐chome Otsu Shiga 520‐8567 Japan
| | - Christoph Schick
- Institute of Physics and Competence Center CALOR University of Rostock Rostock 18051 Germany
- Butlerov Institute of Chemistry Kazan Federal University 18 Kremlyovskaya Street Kazan 420008 Russia
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15
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Botiz I, Durbin MM, Stingelin N. Providing a Window into the Phase Behavior of Semiconducting Polymers. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ioan Botiz
- Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Treboniu Laurian nr. 42, Cluj-Napoca 400271, Romania
| | - Marlow M. Durbin
- School of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0245, United States
| | - Natalie Stingelin
- School of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0245, United States
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0245, United States
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16
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Wang W, Fenni SE, Ma Z, Righetti MC, Cangialosi D, Di Lorenzo ML, Cavallo D. Glass transition and aging of the rigid amorphous fraction in polymorphic poly(butene-1). POLYMER 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2021.123830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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17
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Szymoniak P, Qu X, Abbasi M, Pauw BR, Henning S, Li Z, Wang DY, Schick C, Saalwächter K, Schönhals A. Spatial inhomogeneity, interfaces and complex vitrification kinetics in a network forming nanocomposite. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:2775-2790. [PMID: 33543739 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01992e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A detailed calorimetric study on an epoxy-based nanocomposite system was performed employing bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) cured with diethylenetriamine (DETA) as the polymer matrix and a taurine-modified MgAL layered double hydroxide (T-LDH) as the nanofiller. The -NH2 group of taurine can react with DGEBA improving the interaction of the polymer with the filler. The combined X-ray scattering and electron microscopy data showed that the nanocomposite has a partially exfoliated morphology. Calorimetric studies were performed using conventional DSC, temperature modulated DSC (TMDSC) and fast scanning calorimetry (FSC) in the temperature modulated approach (TMFSC) to investigate the vitrification and molecular mobility dependent on the filler concentration. First, TMDSC and NMR were used to estimate the amount of the rigid amorphous fraction which consists of immobilized polymer segments at the nanoparticle surface. It was found to be 40 wt% for the highest filler concentration, indicating that the interface dominates the overall macroscopic properties and behavior of the material to a great extent. Second, the relaxation rates of the α-relaxation obtained by TMDSC and TMFSC were compared with the thermal and dielectric relaxation rates measured by static FSC. The investigation revealed that the system shows two distinct α-relaxation processes. Furthermore, two separate vitrification mechanisms were also found for a bulk network-former without geometrical confinement as also confirmed by NMR. This was discussed in terms of the intrinsic spatial heterogeneity on a molecular scale, which becomes more pronounced with increasing nanofiller content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Szymoniak
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Xintong Qu
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Mozhdeh Abbasi
- Institut für Physik - NMR, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 7, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Brian R Pauw
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sven Henning
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Mikrostruktur von Werkstoffen und Systemen IMWS, Walter-Hülse-Str. 1, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Zhi Li
- IMDEA Materials Institute, Eric Kandel 2, 28906 Getafe, Madrid, Spain
| | - De-Yi Wang
- IMDEA Materials Institute, Eric Kandel 2, 28906 Getafe, Madrid, Spain
| | - Christoph Schick
- University of Rostock, Institute of Physics and Competence Center CALOR, Albert-Einstein-Str. 23-24, 18059 Rostock, Germany and A. M. Butlerov Institute of Chemistry, Kazan Federal University, Kremlevskaya 18, 420008 Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Kay Saalwächter
- Institut für Physik - NMR, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 7, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Andreas Schönhals
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany.
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18
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Marina S, Kaufmann NP, Karki A, Gutiérrez-Meza E, Gutiérrez-Fernández E, Vollbrecht J, Solano E, Walker B, Bannock JH, de Mello J, Silva C, Nguyen TQ, Cangialosi D, Stingelin N, Martín J. The Importance of Quantifying the Composition of the Amorphous Intermixed Phase in Organic Solar Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e2005241. [PMID: 33089554 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202005241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The relation of phase morphology and solid-state microstructure with organic photovoltaic (OPV) device performance has intensely been investigated over the last twenty years. While it has been established that a combination of donor:acceptor intermixing and presence of relatively phase-pure donor and acceptor domains is needed to get an optimum compromise between charge generation and charge transport/charge extraction, a quantitative picture of how much intermixing is needed is still lacking. This is mainly due to the difficulty in quantitatively analyzing the intermixed phase, which generally is amorphous. Here, fast scanning calorimetry, which allows measurement of device-relevant thin films (<200 nm thickness), is exploited to deduce the precise composition of the intermixed phase in bulk-heterojunction structures. The power of fast scanning calorimetry is illustrated by considering two polymer:fullerene model systems. Somewhat surprisingly, it is found that a relatively small fraction (<15 wt%) of an acceptor in the intermixed amorphous phase leads to efficient charge generation. In contrast, charge transport can only be sustained in blends with a significant amount of the acceptor in the intermixed phase (in this case: ≈58 wt%). This example shows that fast scanning calorimetry is an important tool for establishing a complete compositional characterization of organic bulk heterojunctions. Hence, it will be critical in advancing quantitative morphology-function models that allow for the rational design of these devices, and in delivering insights in, for example, solar cell degradation mechanisms via phase separation, especially for more complex high-performing systems such as nonfullerene acceptor:polymer bulk heterojunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Marina
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Av. de Tolosa 72, San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
| | | | - Akchheta Karki
- Center for Polymers and Organic Solids, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gutiérrez-Meza
- School of Physics and School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | | | - Joachim Vollbrecht
- Center for Polymers and Organic Solids, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Eduardo Solano
- ALBA Synchrotron Light Source, NCD-SWEET Beamline, Cerdanyola del Valles, 08290, Spain
| | - Barnaby Walker
- Centre for Plastic Electronics and Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - James H Bannock
- Centre for Plastic Electronics and Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - John de Mello
- Centre for Plastic Electronics and Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Carlos Silva
- School of Physics and School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Thuc-Quyen Nguyen
- Center for Polymers and Organic Solids, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Daniele Cangialosi
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC-UPV/EHU), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
| | - Natalie Stingelin
- School of Materials Science & Engineering and School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques-LCPO, UMR5629 Universitéde Bordeaux, Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, Pessac Cedex, 33615, France
| | - Jaime Martín
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Av. de Tolosa 72, San Sebastián, 20018, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, 48013, Spain
- Universidade da Coruña, Grupo de Polímeros, Departamento de Física e Ciencias da Terra, Centro de Investigacións Tecnolóxicas (CIT), Esteiro, Ferrol, 15471, Spain
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19
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Monnier X, Cavallo D, Righetti MC, Di Lorenzo ML, Marina S, Martin J, Cangialosi D. Physical Aging and Glass Transition of the Rigid Amorphous Fraction in Poly( l-lactic acid). Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Monnier
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Dario Cavallo
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Righetti
- CNR-IPCF, National Research Council - Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Di Lorenzo
- CNR-IPCB, National Research Council - Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, Via Campi Flegrei, 34, 80078 Pozzuoli, NA Italy
| | - Sara Marina
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Av. de Tolosa 72, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jaime Martin
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Av. de Tolosa 72, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- Ikerbasque - Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Daniele Cangialosi
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- Centro de Física de Materiales CFM (CSIC-UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
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20
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Schick C, Androsch R. The Origin of Annealing Peaks in Semicrystalline Polymers: Enthalpy Recovery or Melting? Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Schick
- Institute of Physics and Department Life, Light & Matter, Competence Center °CALOR, University of Rostock, Rostock 18051, Germany
- Butlerov Institute of Chemistry, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya Street, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - René Androsch
- Interdisciplinary Center for Transfer-oriented Research in Natural Sciences (IWE TFN), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle/Saale 06099, Germany
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21
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Tsourtou FD, Peristeras LD, Apostolov R, Mavrantzas VG. Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Amorphous Poly(3-hexylthiophene). Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Flora D. Tsourtou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH-ICE/HT, GR 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Loukas D. Peristeras
- Molecular Thermodynamics and Modelling of Materials Laboratory, Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, National Center for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, GR-15310 Agia Paraskevi
Attikis, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Vlasis G. Mavrantzas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH-ICE/HT, GR 26504 Patras, Greece
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Particle Technology Laboratory, ETH Zürich, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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22
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Sommerville PJW, Li Y, Dong BX, Zhang Y, Onorato JW, Tatum WK, Balzer AH, Stingelin N, Patel SN, Nealey PF, Luscombe CK. Elucidating the Influence of Side-Chain Circular Distribution on the Crack Onset Strain and Hole Mobility of Near-Amorphous Indacenodithiophene Copolymers. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yilin Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Ban Xuan Dong
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Yongcao Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Jonathan W. Onorato
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Wesley K. Tatum
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Alex H. Balzer
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 303332, United States
| | - Natalie Stingelin
- School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 303332, United States
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 303332, United States
| | - Shrayesh N. Patel
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Paul F. Nealey
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Chemical Science and Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Christine K. Luscombe
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
- Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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23
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Schawe JEK, Wrana C. Competition between Structural Relaxation and Crystallization in the Glass Transition Range of Random Copolymers. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12081778. [PMID: 32784476 PMCID: PMC7465651 DOI: 10.3390/polym12081778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural relaxation in polymers occurs at temperatures in the glass transition range and below. At these temperatures, crystallization is controlled by diffusion and nucleation. A sequential occurrence of structural relaxation, nucleation, and crystallization was observed for several homopolymers during annealing in the range of the glass transition. It is known from the literature that all of these processes are strongly influenced by geometrical confinements. The focus of our work is copolymers, in which the confinements are caused by the random sequence of monomer units in the polymer chain. We characterize the influence of these confinements on structure formation and relaxation in the vicinity of the glass transition. The measurements were performed with a hydrogenated nitrile-butadiene copolymer (HNBR). The kinetics of the structural relaxation and the crystallization was measured using fast differential scanning calorimetry (FDSC). This technique was selected because of the high sensitivity, the fast cooling rates, and the high time resolution. Crystallization in HNBR causes a segregation of non-crystallizable segments in the macromolecule. This yields a reduction in mobility in the vicinity of the formed crystals and as a consequence an increased amount of so-called "rigid amorphous fraction" (RAF). The RAF can be interpreted as self-assembled confinements, which limit and control the crystallization. An analysis of the crystallization and the relaxation shows that the kinetic of both is identical. This means that the Kohlrausch exponent of relaxation and the Avrami exponent of crystallization are identical. Therefore, the crystallization is not controlled by nucleation but by diffusion and is terminated by the formation of RAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen E. K. Schawe
- Mettler-Toledo GmbH—Analytical, Heuwinkelstrasse 3, 8606 Nänikon, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Claus Wrana
- Compounds AG, Barzloostrasse 1, 8330 Pfäffikon, Switzerland;
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24
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Righetti MC, Marchese P, Vannini M, Celli A, Lorenzetti C, Cavallo D, Ocando C, Müller AJ, Androsch R. Polymorphism and Multiple Melting Behavior of Bio-Based Poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate). Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:2622-2634. [PMID: 32297739 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Furandicarboxylate-based polyesters are considered an interesting class of bio-based polymers due to their improved properties with respect to the petrol-based terephthalate homologs. An in-depth analysis of the crystal structure of poly(propylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PPF), after maximum possible removal of the catalyst, was carried out. The study disclosed that purified PPF presents two different crystalline phases after crystallization from the melt. Crystallizations at temperatures lower than 120 °C lead to growth of a single crystal form (β-form), whereas two different crystal forms (α and β) were found to coexist at higher Tcs. This behavior is opposite to that previously observed for unpurified PPF. The possibility that the catalyst nucleates the α-phase, which therefore becomes the kinetically favored modification at low crystallization temperatures in the presence of a higher amount of catalyst residue, has been considered as a feasible explanation. Two concomitantly different spherulitic morphologies were observed and connected to the β- and α-phase, respectively. The association between polymorphism and melting behavior was studied. The origin of the peaks that compose the multiple melting endotherm recorded at conventional heating rates was determined by combined wide-angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, fast scanning chip calorimetry, and polarized light optical microscopy measurements. The higher thermal stability of the α-crystals in comparison with the β-form was thus demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Righetti
- CNR-IPCF, National Research Council - Institute for Chemical and Physical Processes, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Marchese
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 38, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Micaela Vannini
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 38, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Annamaria Celli
- Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials, University of Bologna, Via Terracini 38, 40131 Bologna, Italy
| | - Cesare Lorenzetti
- Tetra Pak Packaging Solution AB, Ruben Rausing Gata, SE-221 86 Lund, Sweden
| | - Dario Cavallo
- Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Genoa, Via Dodecaneso 31, 16146 Genova, Italy
| | - Connie Ocando
- POLYMAT and Polymer Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizábal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Alejandro J Müller
- POLYMAT and Polymer Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizábal 3, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - René Androsch
- Interdisciplinary Center for Transfer-oriented Research in Natural Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle/Saale, Germany
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25
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Luo S, Wang T, Ocheje MU, Zhang S, Xu J, Qian Z, Gu X, Xue G, Rondeau-Gagné S, Jiang J, Hu W, Zhuravlev E, Zhou D. Multiamorphous Phases in Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based Conjugated Polymers: From Bulk to Ultrathin Films. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b02738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shaochuan Luo
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen R&D Center, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
- School of Environment and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China
| | - Tianyi Wang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen R&D Center, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Michael U. Ocheje
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Song Zhang
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406, United States
| | - Jie Xu
- Nanoscience and Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Zhiyuan Qian
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406, United States
| | - Xiaodan Gu
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Devices, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406, United States
| | - Gi Xue
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen R&D Center, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Simon Rondeau-Gagné
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B3P4, Canada
| | - Jing Jiang
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen R&D Center, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wenbing Hu
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen R&D Center, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Evgeny Zhuravlev
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen R&D Center, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Dongshan Zhou
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shenzhen R&D Center, State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
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26
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Monnier X, Delpouve N, Saiter-Fourcin A. Distinct dynamics of structural relaxation in the amorphous phase of poly(l-lactic acid) revealed by quiescent crystallization. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:3224-3233. [PMID: 32162627 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm02541c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Fast scanning calorimetry (FSC) experiments were performed to investigate physical aging in amorphous and semi-crystalline poly(l-lactic acid)s (PLLAs) that were thermally crystallized under conditions leading to the α'- or α-crystalline form, and either favouring or inhibiting the development of a rigid amorphous fraction (RAF). The enthalpy of recovery was calculated after two procedures of rescaling to the content of the whole amorphous phase and also to the only content of the mobile amorphous fraction (MAF), which helped in clarifying the contribution of the RAF. From the dependence of the structural relaxation rate on the aging temperature, two regimes were evidenced for all samples. In the aging temperature domain situated close to the glass transition, the structural relaxation occurs significantly faster in the MAF. Its rate is independent of the aging temperature and is not influenced by the microstructure. However, the distance to equilibrium is higher in samples for which the coupling is strong between crystal and amorphous, implying that the time to reach equilibrium is also higher. In contrast, at low aging temperatures, for which the whole amorphous phase can be considered as solid, MAF and RAF exhibit the same structrural relaxation rate. This convergence in the relaxation kinetics by decreasing the temperature of physical aging was interpreted as the evolution of relaxation dynamics in the MAF from segmental to local. This change is highlighted by the comparison between MAF and RAF relaxation kinetics, but it occurs similarly in a pure amorphous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Monnier
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN Normandie, INSA Rouen, CNRS, Groupe de Physique des Matériaux, 76000 Rouen, France.
| | - Nicolas Delpouve
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN Normandie, INSA Rouen, CNRS, Groupe de Physique des Matériaux, 76000 Rouen, France.
| | - Allisson Saiter-Fourcin
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN Normandie, INSA Rouen, CNRS, Groupe de Physique des Matériaux, 76000 Rouen, France.
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27
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Varol N, Delpouve N, Araujo S, Domenek S, Guinault A, Golovchak R, Ingram A, Delbreilh L, Dargent E. Amorphous rigidification and cooperativity drop in semi−crystalline plasticized polylactide. POLYMER 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2020.122373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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28
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Leng J, Szymoniak P, Kang NJ, Wang DY, Wurm A, Schick C, Schönhals A. Influence of interfaces on the crystallization behavior and the rigid amorphous phase of poly(l-lactide)-based nanocomposites with different layered doubled hydroxides as nanofiller. POLYMER 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.121929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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29
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Qian Z, Galuska L, McNutt WW, Ocheje MU, He Y, Cao Z, Zhang S, Xu J, Hong K, Goodman RB, Rondeau‐Gagné S, Mei J, Gu X. Challenge and Solution of Characterizing Glass Transition Temperature for Conjugated Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/polb.24889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Qian
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and DevicesThe University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg Mississippi 39406
| | - Luke Galuska
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and DevicesThe University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg Mississippi 39406
| | - William W. McNutt
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University West Lafayette Indiana 47907
| | - Michael U. Ocheje
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Windsor Windsor N9B3P4 Ontario Canada
| | - Youjun He
- Center for Nanophase Materials SciencesOak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge Tennessee 37831
| | - Zhiqiang Cao
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and DevicesThe University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg Mississippi 39406
| | - Song Zhang
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and DevicesThe University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg Mississippi 39406
| | - Jie Xu
- Naonotechnology and Science DivisionArgonne National Laboratory Lemont Illinois 60439
| | - Kunlun Hong
- Center for Nanophase Materials SciencesOak Ridge National Laboratory Oak Ridge Tennessee 37831
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringUniversity of Tennessee Knoxville Tennessee 37996
| | - Renée B. Goodman
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Windsor Windsor N9B3P4 Ontario Canada
| | - Simon Rondeau‐Gagné
- Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryUniversity of Windsor Windsor N9B3P4 Ontario Canada
| | - Jianguo Mei
- Department of ChemistryPurdue University West Lafayette Indiana 47907
| | - Xiaodan Gu
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Center for Optoelectronic Materials and DevicesThe University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg Mississippi 39406
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30
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Robles-Hernández B, Monnier X, Pomposo JA, Gonzalez-Burgos M, Cangialosi D, Alegría A. Glassy Dynamics of an All-Polymer Nanocomposite Based on Polystyrene Single-Chain Nanoparticles. Macromolecules 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b01257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Robles-Hernández
- Departamento de Física de Materiales, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Apartado 1072, 20080 San Sebastián, Spain
- Centro de Física de Materiales, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Xavier Monnier
- Donostia International Physics Center, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Jose A. Pomposo
- Departamento de Física de Materiales, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Apartado 1072, 20080 San Sebastián, Spain
- Centro de Física de Materiales, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- IKERBASQUE-Basque Foundation for Science, María Díaz de Haro 3, E-48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Marina Gonzalez-Burgos
- Centro de Física de Materiales, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Daniele Cangialosi
- Centro de Física de Materiales, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Angel Alegría
- Departamento de Física de Materiales, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Apartado 1072, 20080 San Sebastián, Spain
- Centro de Física de Materiales, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
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31
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Yin H, Yang B, Chua YZ, Szymoniak P, Carta M, Malpass-Evans R, McKeown NB, Harrison WJ, Budd PM, Schick C, Böhning M, Schönhals A. Effect of Backbone Rigidity on the Glass Transition of Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity Probed by Fast Scanning Calorimetry. ACS Macro Lett 2019; 8:1022-1028. [PMID: 35619481 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.9b00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs) of high performance have developed as materials with a wide application range in gas separation and other energy-related fields. Further optimization and long-term behavior of devices with PIMs require an understanding of the structure-property relationships, including physical aging. In this context, the glass transition plays a central role, but with conventional thermal analysis a glass transition is usually not detectable for PIMs before their thermal decomposition. Fast scanning calorimetry provides evidence of the glass transition for a series of PIMs, as the time scales responsible for thermal degradation and for the glass transition are decoupled by employing ultrafast heating rates of tens of thousands K s-1. The investigated PIMs were chosen considering the chain rigidity. The estimated glass transition temperatures follow the order of the rigidity of the backbone of the PIMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajie Yin
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bin Yang
- University of Rostock, Institute of Physics and Competence Center CALOR, Albert-Einstein-Str. 23−24, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Yeong Zen Chua
- University of Rostock, Institute of Physics and Competence Center CALOR, Albert-Einstein-Str. 23−24, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Paulina Szymoniak
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mariolino Carta
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Malpass-Evans
- EastChem, School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Neil B. McKeown
- EastChem, School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh, David Brewster Road, Edinburgh EH9 3FJ, United Kingdom
| | - Wayne J. Harrison
- School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Peter M. Budd
- School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom
| | - Christoph Schick
- University of Rostock, Institute of Physics and Competence Center CALOR, Albert-Einstein-Str. 23−24, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Martin Böhning
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Schönhals
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
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32
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Luzio A, Nübling F, Martin J, Fazzi D, Selter P, Gann E, McNeill CR, Brinkmann M, Hansen MR, Stingelin N, Sommer M, Caironi M. Microstructural control suppresses thermal activation of electron transport at room temperature in polymer transistors. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3365. [PMID: 31358747 PMCID: PMC6662673 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent demonstrations of inverted thermal activation of charge mobility in polymer field-effect transistors have excited the interest in transport regimes not limited by thermal barriers. However, rationalization of the limiting factors to access such regimes is still lacking. An improved understanding in this area is critical for development of new materials, establishing processing guidelines, and broadening of the range of applications. Here we show that precise processing of a diketopyrrolopyrrole-tetrafluorobenzene-based electron transporting copolymer results in single crystal-like and voltage-independent mobility with vanishing activation energy above 280 K. Key factors are uniaxial chain alignment and thermal annealing at temperatures within the melting endotherm of films. Experimental and computational evidences converge toward a picture of electrons being delocalized within crystalline domains of increased size. Residual energy barriers introduced by disordered regions are bypassed in the direction of molecular alignment by a more efficient interconnection of the ordered domains following the annealing process. Though solution-processed conjugated polymers with inverted temperature activated transport have been reported, the origin of this behaviour is unclear. Here, the authors realize temperature-independent electron transport above 280 K in a donor-acceptor copolymer through microstructural engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Luzio
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3, Milan, 20133, Italy
| | - Fritz Nübling
- Technische Universität Chemnitz, Polymerchemie, Straße der Nationen 62, 09111, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Jaime Martin
- POLYMAT, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Avenida de Tolosa 72, 20018, Donostia-San, Sebastián, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48013, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Daniele Fazzi
- Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Department Chemie, Universität zu Köln, Luxemburger Str. 116, D - 50939, Köln, Germany
| | - Philipp Selter
- Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Corrensstraße 28, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Eliot Gann
- Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Univeristy, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Australian Synchrotron, ANSTO, Clatyon, VIC, 3168, Australia.,National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA
| | | | - Martin Brinkmann
- Institut Charles Sadron, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, 23 rue du Loess, BP 84047, Cedex 2 67034, Strasbourg, France
| | - Michael Ryan Hansen
- Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Corrensstraße 28, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Natalie Stingelin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 771 Ferst Drive, Atlanta, 30332, GA, USA
| | - Michael Sommer
- Technische Universität Chemnitz, Polymerchemie, Straße der Nationen 62, 09111, Chemnitz, Germany.
| | - Mario Caironi
- Center for Nano Science and Technology@PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Giovanni Pascoli 70/3, Milan, 20133, Italy.
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33
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Yu L, Qian D, Marina S, Nugroho FAA, Sharma A, Hultmark S, Hofmann AI, Kroon R, Benduhn J, Smilgies DM, Vandewal K, Andersson MR, Langhammer C, Martín J, Gao F, Müller C. Diffusion-Limited Crystallization: A Rationale for the Thermal Stability of Non-Fullerene Solar Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019; 11:21766-21774. [PMID: 31185565 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b04554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Organic solar cells are thought to suffer from poor thermal stability of the active layer nanostructure, a common belief that is based on the extensive work that has been carried out on fullerene-based systems. We show that a widely studied non-fullerene acceptor, the indacenodithienothiophene-based acceptor ITIC, crystallizes in a profoundly different way as compared to fullerenes. Although fullerenes are frozen below the glass-transition temperature Tg of the photovoltaic blend, ITIC can undergo a glass-crystal transition considerably below its high Tg of ∼180 °C. Nanoscopic crystallites of a low-temperature polymorph are able to form through a diffusion-limited crystallization process. The resulting fine-grained nanostructure does not evolve further with time and hence is characterized by a high degree of thermal stability. Instead, above Tg, the low temperature polymorph melts, and micrometer-sized crystals of a high-temperature polymorph develop, enabled by more rapid diffusion and hence long-range mass transport. This leads to the same detrimental decrease in photovoltaic performance that is known to occur also in the case of fullerene-based blends. Besides explaining the superior thermal stability of non-fullerene blends at relatively high temperatures, our work introduces a new rationale for the design of bulk heterojunctions that is not based on the selection of high- Tg materials per se but diffusion-limited crystallization. The planar structure of ITIC and potentially other non-fullerene acceptors readily facilitates the desired glass-crystal transition, which constitutes a significant advantage over fullerenes, and may pave the way for truly stable organic solar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyang Yu
- College of Chemistry , Sichuan University , Chengdu 610064 , P. R. China
| | - Deping Qian
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) , Linköping University , SE-581 83 Linköping , Sweden
| | - Sara Marina
- POLYMAT and Polymer Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Chemistry , University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3 , 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
| | | | - Anirudh Sharma
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology , Flinders University , Sturt Road , Bedford Park, Adelaide , SA 5042 , Australia
- Laboratoire de Chimie des Polymères Organiques (LCPO) , University of Bordeaux, UMR 5629 , B8 Allée Geoffroy Saint Hilaire , 33615 Pessac Cedex , France
| | | | | | | | - Johannes Benduhn
- Dresden Integrated Center for Applied Physics and Photonic Materials (IAPP) and Institute for Applied Physics , Technische Universität Dresden , Nöthnitzer Straße 61 , 01187 Dresden , Germany
| | - Detlef-M Smilgies
- Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS) , Ithaca , New York 14850 , United States
| | - Koen Vandewal
- Institute for Materials Research (IMO-IMOMEC) , Hasselt University , Wetenschapspark 1 , 3590 Diepenbeek , Belgium
| | - Mats R Andersson
- Flinders Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology , Flinders University , Sturt Road , Bedford Park, Adelaide , SA 5042 , Australia
| | | | - Jaime Martín
- POLYMAT and Polymer Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Chemistry , University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3 , 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science , E-48011 Bilbao , Spain
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM) , Linköping University , SE-581 83 Linköping , Sweden
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34
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Qian Z, Cao Z, Galuska L, Zhang S, Xu J, Gu X. Glass Transition Phenomenon for Conjugated Polymers. MACROMOL CHEM PHYS 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/macp.201900062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Qian
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Device The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg MS 39406 USA
| | - Zhiqiang Cao
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Device The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg MS 39406 USA
| | - Luke Galuska
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Device The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg MS 39406 USA
| | - Song Zhang
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Device The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg MS 39406 USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Argonne National Laboratory Lemont IL 60439 USA
| | - Xiaodan Gu
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering Center for Optoelectronic Materials and Device The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg MS 39406 USA
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35
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Schawe JEK, Löffler JF. Existence of multiple critical cooling rates which generate different types of monolithic metallic glass. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1337. [PMID: 30902964 PMCID: PMC6430809 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07930-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Via fast differential scanning calorimetry using an Au-based glass as an example, we show that metallic glasses should be classified into two types of amorphous/monolithic glass. The first type, termed self-doped glass (SDG), forms quenched-in nuclei or nucleation precursors upon cooling, whereas in the so-called chemically homogeneous glass (CHG) no quenched-in structures are found. For the Au-based glass investigated, the critical cooling and heating rates for the SDG are 500 K s−1 and 20,000 K s−1, respectively; for the CHG they are 4000 K s−1 and 6000 K s−1. The similarity in the critical rates for CHG, so far not reported in literature, and CHG’s tendency towards stochastic nucleation underline the novelty of this glass state. Identifying different types of metallic glass, as is possible by advanced chip calorimetry, and comparing them with molecular and polymeric systems may help to elaborate a more generalized glass theory and improve metallic glass processing. Quantifying the complexity of glass formation is difficult because it usually requires cooling at enormous speeds. Here, the authors use fast differential scanning calorimetry to classify metallic glasses into two types, one with quenched-in nuclei and one without.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jörg F Löffler
- Laboratory of Metal Physics and Technology, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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36
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Klonos PA. Crystallization, glass transition, and molecular dynamics in PDMS of low molecular weights: A calorimetric and dielectric study. POLYMER 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2018.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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37
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Vyazovkin S. "Nothing Can Hide Itself from Thy Heat": Understanding Polymers via Unconventional Applications of Thermal Analysis. Macromol Rapid Commun 2018; 40:e1800334. [PMID: 30033550 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201800334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This article surveys some exciting possibilities and results offered by less common, yet essential applications of differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The applications are concerned with the most commonly studied processes of the glass transition, crystallization, melting, polymerization, and degradation. Issues related to the glass transition include the non-Arrhenius temperature dependence and fragility, kinetic complexity of physical aging, evaluation of cooperatively rearranging regions, and rigid amorphous fraction. Discussion of crystallization covers separation of heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation, crystallization controlled by physical aging, and the use of isoconversional methods for determining the Hoffman-Lauritzen parameters. For melting, the role of reorganization and nucleation control is emphasized. For the thermal degradation and polymerization, advanced kinetic treatments as a way of obtaining mechanistic insights are discussed, and the possibility of studying both processes during continuous cooling is stressed. The possibility of using TGA for monitoring polycondensation is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Vyazovkin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 901 S. 14th Street, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
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38
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Yin H, Chua YZ, Yang B, Schick C, Harrison WJ, Budd PM, Böhning M, Schönhals A. First Clear-Cut Experimental Evidence of a Glass Transition in a Polymer with Intrinsic Microporosity: PIM-1. J Phys Chem Lett 2018; 9:2003-2008. [PMID: 29609455 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.8b00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Polymers with intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) represent a novel, innovative class of materials with great potential in various applications from high-performance gas-separation membranes to electronic devices. Here, for the first time, for PIM-1, as the archetypal PIM, fast scanning calorimetry provides definitive evidence of a glass transition ( Tg = 715 K, heating rate 3 × 104 K/s) by decoupling the time scales responsible for glass transition and decomposition. Because the rigid molecular structure of PIM-1 prevents any conformational changes, small-scale bend and flex fluctuations must be considered the origin of its glass transition. This result has strong implications for the fundamental understanding of the glass transition and for the physical aging of PIMs and other complex polymers, both topical problems of materials science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajie Yin
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und-prüfung (BAM) , Unter den Eichen 87 , 12205 Berlin , Germany
| | - Yeong Zen Chua
- University of Rostock , Institute of Physics and Competence Center CALOR , Albert-Einstein-Str. 23-24 , 18059 Rostock , Germany
| | - Bin Yang
- University of Rostock , Institute of Physics and Competence Center CALOR , Albert-Einstein-Str. 23-24 , 18059 Rostock , Germany
| | - Christoph Schick
- University of Rostock , Institute of Physics and Competence Center CALOR , Albert-Einstein-Str. 23-24 , 18059 Rostock , Germany
- Kazan Federal University , 18 Kremlyovskaya Street , Kazan 420008 , Russian Federation
| | - Wayne J Harrison
- School of Chemistry , University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9PL , United Kingdom
| | - Peter M Budd
- School of Chemistry , University of Manchester , Manchester M13 9PL , United Kingdom
| | - Martin Böhning
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und-prüfung (BAM) , Unter den Eichen 87 , 12205 Berlin , Germany
| | - Andreas Schönhals
- Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und-prüfung (BAM) , Unter den Eichen 87 , 12205 Berlin , Germany
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