Research

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13 pages, 3273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Novel Organic Polymer Semiconductor and Its Properties in Transistors through Collaborative Theoretical and Experimental Approaches

by Jinyang Chen, Yubing Ding, Jie Zhou, Na Li, Shiwei Ren and Minfeng Zeng

Polymers 2023, 15(22), 4421; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15224421 - 16 Nov 2023

Viewed by 680

Abstract

Conjugated polymer semiconductors based on donor–acceptor structures are commonly employed as core materials for optoelectronic devices in the field of organic electronics. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel acceptor unit thiophene-vinyl-diketopyrrolopyrrole, named TVDPP, based on a four-step organic synthesis procedure. [...] Read more.

Conjugated polymer semiconductors based on donor–acceptor structures are commonly employed as core materials for optoelectronic devices in the field of organic electronics. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel acceptor unit thiophene-vinyl-diketopyrrolopyrrole, named TVDPP, based on a four-step organic synthesis procedure. Stille coupling reactions were applied with high yields of polymerization of TVDPP with fluorinated thiophene (FT) monomer. The molecular weight and thermal stability of the polymers were tested and showed high molecular weight and good thermal stability. Theoretical simulation calculations and 2D grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS) tests verified the planarity of the material and excellent stacking properties, which are favorable for achieving high carrier mobility. Measurements based on the polymer as an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) device were carried out, and the mobility and on/off current ratio reached 0.383 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 10⁴, respectively, showing its great potential in organic optoelectronics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Electronics and Photonics)

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21 pages, 5092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation Design of Novel Non-Fluorine Polymers as Electron Transport Layer for Lead-Free Perovskite Solar Cells

by Syed Abdul Moiz, Mohammed Saleh Alshaikh and Ahmed N. M. Alahmadi

Polymers 2023, 15(22), 4387; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15224387 - 11 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1125

Abstract

Significant progress has been made in the advancement of perovskite solar cells, but their commercialization remains hindered by their lead-based toxicity. Many non-toxic perovskite-based solar cells have demonstrated potential, such as Cs₂AgBi_0.75Sb_0.25Br₆, but their power [...] Read more.

Significant progress has been made in the advancement of perovskite solar cells, but their commercialization remains hindered by their lead-based toxicity. Many non-toxic perovskite-based solar cells have demonstrated potential, such as Cs₂AgBi_0.75Sb_0.25Br₆, but their power conversion efficiency is inadequate. To address this issue, some researchers are focusing on emerging acceptor–donor–acceptor’–donor–acceptor (A-DA’D-A)-type non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs) for Cs₂AgBi_0.75Sb_0.25Br₆ to find effective electron transport layers for high-performance photovoltaic responses with low voltage drops. In this comparative study, four novel A-DA’D-A-type NFAs, BT-LIC, BT-BIC, BT-L4F, and BT-BO-L4F, were used as electron transport layers (ETLs) for the proposed devices, FTO/PEDOT:PSS/Cs₂AgBi_0.75Sb_0.25Br₆/ETL/Au. Comprehensive simulations were conducted to optimize the devices. The simulations showed that all optimized devices exhibit photovoltaic responses, with the BT-BIC device having the highest power conversion efficiency (13.2%) and the BT-LIC device having the lowest (6.8%). The BT-BIC as an ETL provides fewer interfacial traps and better band alignment, enabling greater open-circuit voltage for efficient photovoltaic responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Electronics and Photonics)

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16 pages, 19452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Concise Guide to Silicone-Based Spring-Roll Actuator Assembly

by Gagik Ghazaryan, Alina Khmelnitskaia, Igor Bezsudnov, Aleksandra Kalinina, Elena Agina and Sergey Ponomarenko

Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3908; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193908 - 27 Sep 2023

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Abstract

A spring-roll actuator is a multilayer configuration of dielectric elastomer actuators that deforms in response to an electric field. To date, all spring-roll actuators are based on acrylate dielectric elastomers (DEs), and a few can reach deformations on a par with strains observed [...] Read more.

A spring-roll actuator is a multilayer configuration of dielectric elastomer actuators that deforms in response to an electric field. To date, all spring-roll actuators are based on acrylate dielectric elastomers (DEs), and a few can reach deformations on a par with strains observed in natural muscles. Sensitivity to temperature and humidity, as well as the slow response times of acrylates, limit the commercialisation of these actuators. In this work, we developed a spring-roll actuator using commercial silicone DEs because they allow for a broader range of processing temperature and rapid response. Electrodes were deposited on a pre-strained DE film, coated with functional organosilicone polymer composite, and rolled around a metal spring. The coating enhanced the interfacial adhesion between DE and compliant electrodes, preserving the integrity and electro-mechanical properties of the fabricated spring-roll actuator. As to performance, the silicone-based spring-roll actuator could bear 200 times its own weight and displace it by 6% at the applied electric field of 90 V/

μ m

. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Electronics and Photonics)

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13 pages, 4118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Donor-Acceptor-Based Organic Polymer Semiconductor Materials to Achieve High Hole Mobility in Organic Field-Effect Transistors

by Shiwei Ren, Zhuoer Wang, Wenqing Zhang, Yubing Ding and Zhengran Yi

Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3713; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183713 - 09 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

Organic polymer semiconductor materials are conveniently tuned to energy levels because of their good chemically modifiable properties, thus enhancing their carrier transport capabilities. Here, we have designed and prepared a polymer with a donor-acceptor structure and tested its potential as a p-type material [...] Read more.

Organic polymer semiconductor materials are conveniently tuned to energy levels because of their good chemically modifiable properties, thus enhancing their carrier transport capabilities. Here, we have designed and prepared a polymer with a donor-acceptor structure and tested its potential as a p-type material for organic field-effect transistor (OFET) applications using a solution-processing method. The conjugated polymers, obtained via the polymerization of the two monomers relying on the Stille coupling reaction, possess extremely high molecular weights and thermodynamic stability. Theoretical-based calculations show that PDPP-2S-Se has superior planarity, which is favorable for carrier transport within the main chain. Photophysical and electrochemical measurements systematically investigated the properties of the material and the energy levels with respect to the theoretical values. The maximum hole mobility of the PDPP-2S-Se-based OFET device is 0.59 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹, which makes it a useful material for potential organic electronics applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Electronics and Photonics)

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19 pages, 5072 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Heat-Driven Synchronization in Coupled Liquid Crystal Elastomer Spring Self-Oscillators

by Kai Li, Haiyang Wu, Biao Zhang, Yuntong Dai and Yong Yu

Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3349; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163349 - 09 Aug 2023

Viewed by 879

Abstract

Self-oscillating coupled machines are capable of absorbing energy from the external environment to maintain their own motion and have the advantages of autonomy and portability, which also contribute to the exploration of the field of synchronization and clustering. Based on a thermally responsive [...] Read more.

Self-oscillating coupled machines are capable of absorbing energy from the external environment to maintain their own motion and have the advantages of autonomy and portability, which also contribute to the exploration of the field of synchronization and clustering. Based on a thermally responsive liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) spring self-oscillator in a linear temperature field, this paper constructs a coupling and synchronization model of two self-oscillators connected by springs. Based on the existing dynamic LCE model, this paper theoretically reveals the self-oscillation mechanism and synchronization mechanism of two self-oscillators. The results show that adjusting the initial conditions and system parameters causes the coupled system to exhibit two synchronization modes: in-phase mode and anti-phase mode. The work conducted by the driving force compensates for the damping dissipation of the system, thus maintaining self-oscillation. The phase diagrams of different system parameters are drawn to illuminate the self-oscillation and synchronization mechanism. For weak interaction, changing the initial conditions may obtain the modes of in-phase and anti-phase. Under conditions of strong interactions, the system consistently exhibits an in-phase mode. Furthermore, an investigation is conducted on the influence of system parameters, such as the LCE elastic coefficient and spring elastic coefficient, on the amplitudes and frequencies of the two synchronization modes. This study aims to enhance the understanding of self-oscillator synchronization and its potential applications in areas such as energy harvesting, power generation, detection, soft robotics, medical devices and micro/nanodevices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Electronics and Photonics)

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18 pages, 4384 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mass and Charge Transfer in a Polymeric NiSalen Complex at Subzero Temperatures

by Elena V. Alekseeva, Julia V. Novoselova, Dmitrii V. Anischenko, Vasiliy V. Potapenkov and Oleg V. Levin

Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1323; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051323 - 06 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1315

Abstract

Electrochemical energy storage systems have a wide range of commercial applications. They keep energy and power even at temperatures up to +60 °C. However, the capacity and power of such energy storage systems reduce sharply at negative temperatures due to the difficulty of [...] Read more.

Electrochemical energy storage systems have a wide range of commercial applications. They keep energy and power even at temperatures up to +60 °C. However, the capacity and power of such energy storage systems reduce sharply at negative temperatures due to the difficulty of counterion injection into the electrode material. The application of organic electrode materials based on salen-type polymers is a prospective approach to the development of materials for low-temperature energy sources. Poly[Ni(CH₃Salen)]–based electrode materials synthesized from different electrolytes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and quartz crystal microgravimetry at temperatures from −40 °C to 20 °C. By analyzing data obtained in various electrolyte solutions, it was shown that at subzero temperatures, the process of injection into the polymer film, together with slow diffusion within the film, predominantly limit the electrochemical performance of electrode materials based on poly[Ni(CH₃Salen)]. It was shown that the deposition of the polymer from solutions with larger cations allow the enhancement of the charge transfer due to the formation of porous structures facilitating the counter-ion diffusion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Electronics and Photonics)

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Review

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26 pages, 5695 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polymer and Hybrid Optical Devices Manipulated by the Thermo-Optic Effect

by Yuqi Xie, Liguo Chen, Haojia Li and Yunji Yi

Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3721; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183721 - 11 Sep 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1381

Abstract

The thermo-optic effect is a crucial driving mechanism for optical devices. The application of the thermo-optic effect in integrated photonics has received extensive investigation, with continuous progress in the performance and fabrication processes of thermo-optic devices. Due to the high thermo-optic coefficient, polymers [...] Read more.

The thermo-optic effect is a crucial driving mechanism for optical devices. The application of the thermo-optic effect in integrated photonics has received extensive investigation, with continuous progress in the performance and fabrication processes of thermo-optic devices. Due to the high thermo-optic coefficient, polymers have become an excellent candidate for the preparation of high-performance thermo-optic devices. Firstly, this review briefly introduces the principle of the thermo-optic effect and the materials commonly used. In the third section, a brief introduction to the waveguide structure of thermo-optic devices is provided. In addition, three kinds of thermo-optic devices based on polymers, including an optical switch, a variable optical attenuator, and a temperature sensor, are reviewed. In the fourth section, the typical fabrication processes for waveguide devices based on polymers are introduced. Finally, thermo-optic devices play important roles in various applications. Nevertheless, the large-scale integrated applications of polymer-based thermo-optic devices are still worth investigating. Therefore, we propose a future direction for the development of polymers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Electronics and Photonics)

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16 pages, 3280 KiB

Open AccessReview

Optical Filters Based on Cholesteric, Blue and Sphere Mesophases

by Changli Sun and Jiangang Lu

Polymers 2022, 14(22), 4898; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14224898 - 13 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1765

Abstract

An optical filter is one of the indispensable devices in massive and high-speed communication, optical signal processing, and display. Twist-structure liquid crystals, cholesteric liquid crystals, blue-phase liquid crystals, and sphere-phase liquid crystals show potential application in optical filters originating from the periodic nanostructures. [...] Read more.

An optical filter is one of the indispensable devices in massive and high-speed communication, optical signal processing, and display. Twist-structure liquid crystals, cholesteric liquid crystals, blue-phase liquid crystals, and sphere-phase liquid crystals show potential application in optical filters originating from the periodic nanostructures. Wavelength and bandwidth tuning can be controlled via temperature, electric fields, light, angle, spatial control, and templating technology. In this review, we discuss the recent developments of twist-structure liquid crystal filters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers for Electronics and Photonics)

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