Highly Transmissive, Processable, Highly Conducting and Stable Polythiophene Derivatives via Direct (Hetero)arylation Polymerization

• Published in: ACS macro letters 2024-09, Vol.13 (9), p.1133-1138
• Main Authors: Beaumont, Catherine, Lemieux, Thomas, Aivali, Stefania, Hamidzad Sangachin, Mona, Gasonoo, Akpeko, Marcoux St-Pierre, Tristan, Bélanger, Marissa, Beaupré, Serge, Welch, Gregory C., Leclerc, Mario
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2161-1653; 2161-1653
• DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00397

The development of modern optoelectronic devices increases the need for lightweight and flexible transparent conductors. It is thus essential to develop new eco-friendly materials that can be easily processed for the fabrication of such devices. For this purpose, the synthesis of self-doped, highly conducting, transmissive, and water-processable polythiophene derivatives was performed via the direct heteroarylation polymerization method and a protection/deprotection strategy. Stable conductivities up to 1000 S cm–1 have been obtained. Champion materials (P1 and P7) were scaled and processed via the roll-to-roll compatible slot-die coating method to demonstrate their large area applicability. The best coated films exhibited optical transmittance greater than 79% at 550 nm with sheet resistances of 116 Ω □–1. These values are comparable to indium–tin oxide on plastic and thus present a viable alternative to metal oxide-based electrodes.