Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Nanoparticles Containing Thiophene-S,S-dioxide: Tuning of Dimensions, Optical and Redox Properties, and Charge Separation under Illumination

Abstract

We describe the preparation of poly(3-hexylthiophene-S,S-dioxide) nanoparticles using Rozen's reagent, HOF•CH 3 CN, either on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) or on preformed P3HT nanoparticles (P3HT-NPs). In the latter case, core−shell nanoparticles (P3HT@PTDO-NPs) are formed, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, indicating the presence of oxygen on the outer shell. The different preparation modalities lead to a finetuning of the chemical−physical properties of the nanoparticles. We show that absorption and photoluminescence features, electrochemical properties, size, and stability of colloidal solutions can be finely modulated by controlling the amount of oxygen present. Atomic force microscopy measurements on the nanoparticles obtained by a nanoprecipitation method from preoxidized P3HT (PTDO-NPs) display spherical morphology and dimensions down to 5 nm. Finally, Kelvin probe measurements show that the coexistence of p-and n-type charge carriers in all types of oxygenated nanoparticles makes them capable of generating and separating charge under illumination. Furthermore, in core−shell nanoparticles, the nanosegregation of the two materials, in different regions of the nanoparticles, allows a more efficient charge separation.

Photocatalytic Activity of Polymer Nanoparticles Modulates Intracellular Calcium Dynamics and Reactive Oxygen Species in HEK-293 Cells

“…P3HT NPs work function has been experimentally evaluated by Kelvin Probe measurements, obtaining values slightly lower than P3HT polymer thin films [4.5 vs. 4.8 eV, respectively, in line with recent literature (Di Maria et al, 2017)], which may further facilitate the occurrence of oxygen reduction reactions.…”

Controlling the Selectivity of Conjugated Microporous Polymer Membrane for Efficient Organic Solvent Nanofiltration

“…FT‐IR spectroscopy was employed to monitor the oxidation process ( Figure a,b). The oxidation of thiophene moieties leads to appearance of new distinct bands at 1320 and 1146 cm −1 , which are ascribed to the asymmetric and symmetric stretching of S,S‐dioxide group . To further quantitatively analyze the degree of oxidation, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was carried out on both TTB‐CMP and TTB‐CMPO membranes.…”

Water‐Processable Amphiphilic Low Band Gap Block Copolymer:Fullerene Blend Nanoparticles as Alternative Sustainable Approach for Organic Solar Cells

“…[17] Similarly, D'Olieslaeger et al [18,19] suggested that, in the case of some low band gap (LBG) polymers, higher annealing temperature of around 180 °C are required to prepare efficient devices. [20,21] NP-OPVs based on PAT-ICBA blend with performances (PCE up to 4.1%) slightly lower than those of the conventionally chlorinated solvent-processed devices (4-6%) can be produced with this approach which is partially attributed to optimized blend NP morphologies obtained after a thermal treatment at 150 °C. NPs are rapidly formed due to an aggregation phenomenon, which results in the donor and acceptor molecules being homogeneously distributed within the NP.…”

“…NPs are rapidly formed due to an aggregation phenomenon, which results in the donor and acceptor molecules being homogeneously distributed within the NP. [20,21] NP-OPVs based on PAT-ICBA blend with performances (PCE up to 4.1%) slightly lower than those of the conventionally chlorinated solvent-processed devices (4-6%) can be produced with this approach which is partially attributed to optimized blend NP morphologies obtained after a thermal treatment at 150 °C. [22,23] However, the absence of the stabilizer requires lowering the solid content to prevent the suspended NPs rapid aggregation into large particles.…”