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Electroactive Nanorods and Nanorings Designed by Supramolecular Association of π‐Conjugated Oligomers
Author(s) -
Dautel Olivier J.,
Robitzer Mike,
Flores JeanCharles,
Tondelier Denis,
SereinSpirau Françoise,
LèrePorte JeanPierre,
Guérin David,
Lenfant Stéphane,
Tillard Monique,
Vuillaume Dominique,
Moreau Joël J. E.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.200701638
Subject(s) - nanoring , nanorod , delocalized electron , conjugated system , supramolecular chemistry , nanostructure , materials science , nanotechnology , nanoscopic scale , nano , chemical physics , chemistry , polymer , molecule , organic chemistry , composite material
In investigations into the design and isolation of semiconducting nano‐objects, the synthesis of a new bisureido π‐conjugated organogelator has been achieved. This oligo(phenylenethienylene) derivative was found to be capable of forming one‐dimensional supramolecular assemblies, leading to the gelation of several solvents. Its self‐assembling properties have been studied with different techniques (AFM, EFM, etc.). Nano‐objects have successfully been fabricated from the pristine organogel under appropriate dilution conditions. In particular, nanorods and nanorings composed of the electroactive organogelator have been isolated and characterized. With additional support from an electrochemical study of the organogelator in solution, it has been demonstrated by the EFM technique that such nano‐objects were capable of exhibiting charge transport properties, a requirement in the fabrication of nanoscale optoelectronic devices. It was observed that positive charges can be injected and delocalized all along an individual nano‐object (nanorod and nanoring) over micrometers and, remarkably, that no charge was stored in the center of the nanoring. It was also observed that topographic constructions in the nanostructures prevent transport and delocalization. The same experiments were performed with a negative bias (i.e., electron injection), but no charge delocalization was observed. These results could be correlated with the nature of 1 , which is a good electron‐donor, so it can easily be oxidized, but can be reduced only with difficulty.