Semiconducting polymers are a promising class of organic electronic materials, with the potential to have a large impact in the field of macroelectronics. In this thesis, we focus on understanding the relationship between microstructure and charge transport in semicrystalline polythiophenes. A method is presented for the measurement of complete pole figures of polymer thin films using an area detector, allowing for the first time quantitative characterization of crystalline texture and degree of crystallinity. Thin film transistors are used to measure electrical characteristics, and charge transport behavior is modeled according to the Mobility Edge (ME) model. These characterization methods are first used to investigate the effect of substrate surface treatment and thermal annealing on the microstructure of polythiophene thin films, and the effect of microstructural details on charge transport. Next, we investigate the semicrystalline microstructure in confined polythiophene films. Pole figures are used to quantify a decrease in the degree of crystallinity of films with decreasing thickness, accompanied by an improvement in crystalline texture. Next, we investigate the influence of the degree of regioregularity, molecular weight and the processing solvent on microstructure (degree of crystallinity and texture) and charge transport in high mobility P3HT thin films. Surprisingly, when processing conditions are optimized, even a polymer with moderate regioregularity can form a highly textured film with high charge carrier mobility. Finally, we use films of P3HT with engineered, anisotropic in-plane microstructure to understand the importance and mechanism of transport across grain boundaries in these semicrystalline films. Results from this study provide the first experimental evidence for the application of a percolation model for charge transport in high molecular weight semicrystalline polymer semiconductors. Understanding how characteristics of the polymer as well as details of the processing conditions can affect the film microstructure and device performance is important for future materials design and device fabrication.

Semiconducting polymers are a promising class of organic electronic materials, with the potential to have a large impact in the field of macroelectronics. In this thesis, we focus on understanding the relationship between microstructure and charge transport in semicrystalline polythiophenes. A method is presented for the measurement of complete pole figures of polymer thin films using an area detector, allowing for the first time quantitative characterization of crystalline texture and degree of crystallinity. Thin film transistors are used to measure electrical characteristics, and charge transport behavior is modeled according to the Mobility Edge (ME) model. These characterization methods are first used to investigate the effect of substrate surface treatment and thermal annealing on the microstructure of polythiophene thin films, and the effect of microstructural details on charge transport. Next, we investigate the semicrystalline microstructure in confined polythiophene films. Pole figures are used to quantify a decrease in the degree of crystallinity of films with decreasing thickness, accompanied by an improvement in crystalline texture. Next, we investigate the influence of the degree of regioregularity, molecular weight and the processing solvent on microstructure (degree of crystallinity and texture) and charge transport in high mobility P3HT thin films. Surprisingly, when processing conditions are optimized, even a polymer with moderate regioregularity can form a highly textured film with high charge carrier mobility. Finally, we use films of P3HT with engineered, anisotropic in-plane microstructure to understand the importance and mechanism of transport across grain boundaries in these semicrystalline films. Results from this study provide the first experimental evidence for the application of a percolation model for charge transport in high molecular weight semicrystalline polymer semiconductors. Understanding how characteristics of the polymer as well as details of the processing conditions can affect the film microstructure and device performance is important for future materials design and device fabrication.

Organic Electronics is a novel field of electronics that has gained an incredible attention over the past few decades. New materials, device architectures and applications have been continuously introduced by the academic and also industrial communities, and novel topics have raised strong interest in such communities, as molecular doping, thermoelectrics, bioelectronics and many others.Organic Flexible Electronics is mainly divided into three sections. The first part is focused on the fundamentals of organic electronics, such as charge transport models in these systems and new approaches for the design and synthesis of novel molecules. The first section addresses the main challenges that are still open in this field, including the important role of interfaces for achieving high-performing devices or the novel approaches employed for improving reliability issues.The second part discusses the most innovative devices which have been developed in recent years, such as devices for energy harvesting, flexible batteries, high frequency circuits, and flexible devices for tattoo electronics and bioelectronics.Finally the book reviews the most important applications moving from more standard flexible back panels to wearable and textile electronics and more futuristic applications like ingestible systems. Reviews the fundamental properties and methods for optimizing organic electronic materials including chemical doping and techniques to address stability issues Discusses the most promising organic electronic devices for energy, electronics, and biomedical applications Addresses key applications of organic electronic devices in imagers, wearable electronics, bioelectronics

In the last 10 years there have been major advances in fundamental understanding and applications and a vast portfolio of new polymer structures with unique and tailored properties was developed. Work moved from a chemical repeat unit structure to one more based on structural control, new polymerization methodologies, properties, processing, and applications. The 4th Edition takes this into account and will be completely rewritten and reorganized, focusing on spin coating, spray coating, blade/slot die coating, layer-by-layer assembly, and fiber spinning methods; property characterizations of redox, interfacial, electrical, and optical phenomena; and commercial applications.

This book covers properties, processing, and applications of conducting polymers. It discusses properties and characterization, including photophysics and transport. It then moves to processing and morphology of conducting polymers, covering such topics as printing, thermal processing, morphology evolution, conducting polymer composites, thin films

Advances in Heterocyclic Chemistry is the definitive series in the field—one of great importance to organic chemists, polymer chemists, and many biological scientists. Because biology and organic chemistry increasingly intersect, the associated nomenclature also is being used more frequently in explanations. Written by established authorities in the field from around the world, this comprehensive review combines descriptive synthetic chemistry and mechanistic insight to yield an understanding of how chemistry drives the preparation and useful properties of heterocyclic compounds. Considered the definitive serial in the field of heterocyclic chemistry Serves as the go-to reference for organic chemists, polymer chemists, and many biological scientists Provides the latest comprehensive reviews written by established authorities in the field Combines descriptive synthetic chemistry and mechanistic insight to enhance understanding of how chemistry drives the preparation and useful properties of heterocyclic compounds

The series Advances in Polymer Science presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science. It covers all areas of research in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics, material science. The thematic volumes are addressed to scientists, whether at universities or in industry, who wish to keep abreast of the important advances in the covered topics. Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic, and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles, and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Single contributions can be specially commissioned. Readership: Polymer scientists, or scientists in related fields interested in polymer and biopolymer science, at universities or in industry, graduate students