Fundamentals of Conjugated Ionomer Electronics

University Of Oregon Eugene, Eugene OR

Investigators

Abstract

This technical component of this project deals with certain fundamental principles underlying the application of ionically functionalized conducting polymers, so called conjugated ionomers, to electronics. The three primary goals of the project are: (1) to elucidate the mechanism of current rectification at pn junctions based on conjugated ionomers; (2) to elucidate the mechanism of steady-state rectification in a new class of heteroionic junctions formed between an undoped anionic and cationic ionomer; (3) to explore a non-traditional method of doping conjugated polymers that relies on non- Faradaic processes. To achieve these goals, a comprehensive suite of electrical and electrochemical characterization methods are applied to study a series of rationally designed polymer bilayer structures. These studies are complemented by studies on single layer structures and rely heavily on the availability of a family of conjugated ionomers or varying ionic functional group density. The results of the characterization methods are to be compared to both theories developed for inorganic semiconductor analogues as well as those developed for molecular systems. The broader impacts of the proposal stem from better understanding the relation of polymeric to inorganic semiconductors as well as the unique properties of interfaces between mixed ionic/electronic conductors. In doing so, these studies will help guide the future development of electronic and optoelectronic devices, such as transistors and lightemitting diodes, based on conjugated polymers. The project will also impact the training of both undergraduates and graduate students in the basic science of materials. Graduate students working on the project will be part of a comprehensive training program that integrates chemists and physicists and includes targeted technical training in the area of semiconductor devices as well as off-campus internships. A broad range of undergraduates will be reached by the project both through their contributions to research and through curriculum development. A new non-majors undergraduate course will be developed that teaches basic chemical and physical principles using everyday materials and the devices upon which they are based as a context.