End-capped oligothiophene dimers incorporating TTF, metal dithiolene and spirocentric cores

• Main Author: Wright, Iain A.
• Published: University of Strathclyde 2011
• Subjects: 540
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.675233

The field of organic conductors and semiconductors has grown rapidly. The development of devices based on this technology, and the insights it provides into molecular electronics have led it to the forefront of materials research both industrially and academically. Electroactive organic species can have wildly varied properties and take on two main different forms: i. conjugated macromolecules, including polymers and metallopolymers and oligomers thereof; ii. molecular systems, such as small organic molecules and metal complexes with functional ligands. Compared to traditional inorganic materials, semiconducting polymer and oligomer systems have the potential to demonstrate major practical benefits, including tunability, cost effectiveness, ease of manipulation in processing and flexibility. Molecular systems tend to have very well defined electronic characteristics and careful design allows access to highly varied topologies and functionalities. Chapter 1 incorporates a description of band theory and the development of organic semiconducting technologies, particularly those based on oligothiophenes and small molecules, including characterisation and device structures. Chapter 2 describes the synthesis, design and characterisation of oligothiophene precursors for unique tetrathiafulvalene, metal dithiolene, and spirocyclic dimers, the synthesis and properties of which are discussed in chapters 3, 4, and 5 respectively.