Quadrites and Crossed-Chain Crystal Structures in Polymer Semiconductors

TitleQuadrites and Crossed-Chain Crystal Structures in Polymer Semiconductors
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2014
AuthorsC.J. Takacs, M.A. Brady, N.D. Treat, E.J. Kramer, and M.L. Chabinyc
JournalNANO LETTERS
Volume14
Pagination3096-3101
Date PublishedJUN
ISSN1530-6984
Keywordsbulk heterojunction, epitaxy, field effect transistor, grain boundaries, Polymer semiconductor
AbstractMany high-performance conjugated polymers for organic photovoltaics and transistors crystallize such that chains are parallel, resulting in significant anisotropy of the nanoscale charge transport properties. Here we demonstrate an unusual intercrystallite relationship where thin lamellae adopt a preferred epitaxial relationship with crossed-chains at the interface. The crossed-chains may allow either crystal to use the other as an ``electronic shunt'', creating efficient quasi-three-dimensional transport pathways that reduce the severity of grain boundaries and defects in limiting transport.
DOI10.1021/nl500150t