Influence of Side Chain Isomerism on the Conformation of Poly(3-alkylthiophenes) in Solutions Revealed by Neutron Scattering
POSTER
Abstract
Using small angle neutron scattering, we conducted a detailed structural study of poly(3-alkylthiophenes) dispersed in deuterated dicholorbenzene. The focus was placed on addressing the influence of spatial arrangement of constituent atoms of side chain on backbone conformation. We demonstrate that by impeding the π - π interactions, the branch point in side chain promotes torsional motion between backbone units and results in greater chain flexibility. Our findings highlight the key role of topological isomerism in determining the molecular rigidity and are relevant to the current debate about the condition necessary for optimizing the electronic properties of conducting polymers via side chain engineering.
*The research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences. The work conducted at the Spallation Neutron Source of Oak Ridge National Laboratory was sponsored by the Scientific User Facilities Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, U.S. Department of Energy. Work was also performed at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which is a DOE Office of Science User Facility.
Presenters
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Kunlun Hong
- Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- CNMS, Oak Ridge National Laboratory