Synthesis of pendant polymers for organic electronics

Abstract

The field of organic electronics is dominated by two different strategies; small molecules and conjugated back-bone polymers each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Small molecules tend to have better electronic properties due to the ease with which they form crystals but are difficult to process on an industrial scale. Conjugated back-bone polymers' physical properties are ideal for mass production via methods such as inkjet printing but their electronic properties are highly dependent on the polymer morphology which is difficult to reproduce effectively on an industrial scale. This project will attempt to combine both strategies by making pendant polymers using new and known, high performance small molecules attached to a flexible polymer backbone. It is theorised that the small molecule pendants will interact to give the desired electronic properties, while the backbone will provide the physical properties required for simpler industrial manufacture.