Molecular self ordering and charge transport in layer by layer deposited poly (3,3′-dialkylquarterthiophene) films formed by Langmuir-Schaefer technique

Abstract

The performance of π-conjugated polymer based electronic devices is directly governed by the molecular morphology of polymer aggregation, the extent to which a molecule is electronically coupled (self ordered and interacted) to neighboring molecules, and orientation. The well electronic coupled and crystalline/ordered polymer films have the potential to enhance the charge transport properties up to a benchmark. However, there is insufficient knowledge about the direct formation of large area, oriented, crystalline, and smooth films. In this study, we have presented Langmuir Schaefer technique to obtain the large area, oriented, crystalline, and smooth film of Poly (3,3′-dialkylquarterthiophene) (PQT-12) polymer. The effect of self ordering and orientation of PQT-12 polymer on optical, morphological, and charge transport properties has been investigated. The prepared films have been characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area diffractions pattern (SAED), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. UV-vis spectra, TEM, SAED, and AFM images of monolayer films reveal the formation of well ordered and electronically coupled polymer domains. Layer by layer deposited films reveal the change in the orientation, which is confirmed by Raman spectra. Electronic properties and layer dependent charge transport properties are investigated using sandwiched structure Al/PQT-12/ITO Schottky configuration with perpendicular to the deposited films. It is observed that the charge transport properties and device electronic parameters (ideality factor and turn on voltage) are significantly changing with increasing the number of PQT-12 layers. Our study also demonstrates the charge transport between polymer crystallites and cause of deviation of ideal behavior of organic Schottky diodes. It may be further explored for improving the performance of other organic and optoelectronic devices. © 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.