Noncovalent Se center dot center dot center dot O Conformational Locks for Constructing High-Performing Optoelectronic Conjugated Polymers

Noncovalent conformational locks are broadly employed to construct highly planar -conjugated semiconductors exhibiting substantial charge transport characteristics. However, current chalcogen-based conformational lock strategies for organic semiconductors are limited to S X (X = O, N, halide) weak interactions. An easily accessible (minimal synthetic steps) and structurally planar selenophene-based building block, 1,2-diethoxy-1,2-bisselenylvinylene (DESVS), with novel Se O noncovalent conformational locks is designed and synthesized . DESVS unique properties are supported by density functional theory computed electronic structures, single crystal structures, and experimental lattice cohesion metrics. Based on this building block, a new class of stable, structurally planar, and solution-processable conjugated polymers are synthesized and implemented in organic thin-film transistors (TFT) and organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. DESVS-based polymers exhibit carrier mobilities in air as high as 1.49 cm(2) V-1 s(-1) (p-type) and 0.65 cm(2) V-1 s(-1) (n-type) in TFTs, and power conversion efficiency >5% in OPV cells.