Interface properties and electronic structure of new organic low band gap materials

Low band gap (LBG) polymers are promising candidates for active organic layers in opto-electronic devices, such as organic solar cellsor light emitting diodes. The properties of these materials in devicesare strongly influenced by their morphology and ability for selforganization in thin-films. It was already shown within the first fundingperiod that (additional) alkyl-thiophene moieties can improve distinctlyfilm forming properties in thin films of LBG polymers. A systematic study of the influence of the introduction of thienylene spacer unitswith different substitution pattern in LBG polymer structures on bothelectronic properties and the ability for self-organization will be per-formed. An engineering of the HOMO and LUMO energy levels ofthe polymers is possible by varying the hetero-atomic bridge of theacceptor unit of the LBG polymer. The experimental investigations will be carried out using a variety of complementary spectroscopic and microscopic techniques that shall provide wide and detailed information on both (interfacial) electronic structure and organization in thin films. That includes photoemission and various optical spectroscopies in addition to atomic force and electron microscopy.

Duration:
01.10.2017 - 30.09.2020

Projectleader:
Prof. Dr. U. Scherf

Budget: 198.500 €