MODULAR STRATEGY FOR INTRODUCING END-GROUP FUNCTIONALITY INTO CONJUGATED COPOLYMERS

摘要

The invention provides methods for making and using end-functionalized conjugated polymers. Embodiments of the invention comprise performing a coupling polymerization in the presence of AA monomers, BB monomers and an end capping compound that can react with a monomer and which is selected to include a functional group. The functional end groups can, for example, comprise polymers or small molecules selected for their ability to produce conjugated polymers that self-assemble into thermodynamically ordered structures. In certain embodiments of the invention, nano-scale morphology of such conjugated polymer compositions can be driven by the phase separation of two covalently bound polymer blocks. These features make the use of conjugated polymers an appealing strategy for exerting control over active layer morphology in semiconducting polymer materials systems.