Photo-Seebeck effect of conjugated polymers

Abstract

Photo-Seebeck effect of conjugated polymers (CPs) from thiophenes and selenophenes were explored for a flexible energy conversion device. CP films were obtained by oxidative polymerizations, which grow conductive channels as polymerization proceeds. Through an optimized polymerization condition, highly conductive CP films were obtained with lower oxidation level. Taking advantage of their high electrical conductivity, the CP films were further explored as a transparent photo-thermo-electric film, because their absorption energy is easily controlled by the degree of oxidation or doping. Upon exposure to a near IR source, the CP films got heated, to result in temperature rise on a substrate. The generated heat was effectively converted into electricity to confirm a photo-Seebeck effect from the CP film under a light exposure. Efficient near-IR photothermal effect and heat to electric conversion have been realized in CP films that could benefit in exploiting multifunctional film displays, invisible NIR sensors, and hybrid energy harvesters.