The hottest new semiconductor polymer film overtur

New semiconductor polymer films overturn the field of photovoltaic devices

in order to manufacture solar cells with better performance, scientists need to comprehensively design the structure of materials and place molecular chains where they are most needed. Recently, scientists have designed a new method to achieve the neat and compact growth of molecular chains, and this method is especially suitable for semiconductor polymer chains

molecular chains can extend from the growth plate to the surface of the film by self folding, and are closely arranged with adjacent bundles. This "bottom-up" approach starts with building blocks and then creates larger structures that can be used to make large-area films with tiny patterns. These films have the characteristics of good structural control, uniform assembly and good stability

semiconductor polymer films as small as radio and MP3 are not only unique in structure, but also highly stable. This kind of thin film can be used to improve the efficiency and service life of organic light-emitting devices and solar electric regenerative plastic granulator

image source: Louisiana State University

the image shows that the thin film of semiconductor polymer is formed by surface initiation growth method, and then a unique molecular structure will be formed. In the next process, the polymer chain begins to grow from the surface, and then folds into fiber bundles that can pass through the film. These fiber bundles are crystalline substances about 3nm wide. These adjacent bundles are closely arranged to form a complex molecular structure. This structure can be used to enhance the performance of light-emitting devices and solar cells

using the traditional "top-down" molecular chain growth method, usually only moderate control of the molecular structure and molecular chain of semiconductor polymers is achieved. Now, a research team led by scientists at Louisiana State University has developed a new "bottom-up" molecular chain growth method, that is, using a semiconductor polymer called polythiophene to prepare thin films. Polythiophene is a promising organic electronic material. By using X-ray and neutron scattering, extensive structural studies have been carried out on the films, and the unique molecular structure and morphology of the films have been revealed. At the same time, these studies have further deepened our basic understanding of DSM polymers to create sustainable solutions on a global scale

it is worth noting that the polymer chain forms a dense transverse crystalline domain with a range of about 3nm. In order to obtain such a complex mesoscale structure, it is impossible to achieve it only through the traditional treatment methods that rely on pre synthetic polymers. This unique morphology will be especially suitable for devices that need charge transfer across membranes, such as photovoltaic devices and light-emitting devices. Generally speaking, surface initiated polymerization is not only applicable to polythiophene substances, but also can be extended to other types of semiconductor polymers and copolymers