Open AccessQuadrites and Crossed-Chain Crystal Structures in Polymer Semiconductors
Author(s) -
Christopher J. Takacs,
Michael A. Brady,
Neil D. Treat,
Edward J. Krämer,
Michael L. Chabinyc
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
nano letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.853
H-Index - 488
eISSN - 1530-6992
pISSN - 1530-6984
DOI - 10.1021/nl500150t
Subject(s) - materials science , nanoscopic scale , organic semiconductor , polymer , anisotropy , limiting , grain boundary , photovoltaics , semiconductor , epitaxy , transistor , crystal (programming language) , nanotechnology , conjugated system , chemical physics , optoelectronics , chemistry , optics , physics , composite material , microstructure , photovoltaic system , voltage , ecology , computer science , engineering , biology , layer (electronics) , quantum mechanics , programming language , mechanical engineering
Many 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.