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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/E027431/1
Title: Self-assembling conjugated macromolecules for organic field effect transistors and solar cells
Principal Investigator: Skabara, Professor PJ
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Merck Ltd
Department: Pure and Applied Chemistry
Organisation: University of Strathclyde
Scheme: Standard Research
Starts: 01 June 2007 Ends: 31 May 2010 Value (£): 343,656
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Chemical Structure Chemical Synthetic Methodology
Materials Characterisation Solar Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics
Related Grants:
EP/E02730X/1
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The design and construction of an ideal material for organic semiconductor devices requires the careful consideration of a range of physical properties. In some cases, what would represent good materials characteristics for one type of device may be highly detrimental to the efficiency of another. Intermolecular pi-pi interactions symbolise one good example: in organic light emitting devices, photoluminescence is quenched by these attractions and the device efficiency is reduced dramatically; in organic field effect transistors (OFETs), it is desirable to promote pi-pi interactions throughout the bulk, so that charge mobility can be maximised. In this proposal, we aim to prepare materials for organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices and OFETs. The novelty in this work originates from very recent results, in which we demonstrate that highly soluble materials with conformational freedom in solution are able to self-assemble in the solid state to give highly planar and conjugated structures. Such levels of planarity, which maximise the possibility of pi-pi interactions, have only been achieved previously with ladder or ribbon type structures which possess inherent solubility problems. In our systems, long range planarity can be achieved through the use of weak, non-covalent interactions; to date, this approach has not been given significant consideration and is therefore waiting to be exploited.
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Organisation Website: http://www.strath.ac.uk