Molecular Dioxygen‐Mediated Passivation of Electron Traps in n‐Type Organic Charge‐Transfer Complexes
Abstract
ABSTRACT The inherent susceptibility of n‐type organic semiconductors to molecular dioxygen (O 2 ) results in electron trapping or in unintended p‐doping, which in turn diminishes their electron mobility. This concept is challenged in the present study by exploring O 2 interactions with organic charge‐transfer complexes (CTCs), where electron donor–acceptor interactions generate partially delocalized electronic states. Using a CTC comprising a phenazine electron donor and a 7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) electron acceptor, we demonstrate that its exposure to O 2 does not lead to electron extraction but instead enhances the charge‐transfer activity. The increased electron density at the TCNQ acceptor upon CTC exposure to O 2 is attributed to electron trap‐states passivation by O 2 , without evidence of chemisorption. This passivation mitigates recombination losses, resulting in a threefold photoluminescence quantum yield increase, enhanced electrical conductivity, and improved charge‐transfer state efficiency. Similar O 2 ‐mediated conductivity enhancements are observed across additional donor–acceptor pairs, proving the broader applicability of this effect, and paving the way for designing O 2 ‐enhanced advanced organic electronic materials.
Article Details
Authors (17)
Kirill K. Gubanov
Physical Chemistry II Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
Yana Reva
Physical Chemistry I Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
Christian L. Ritterhoff
Computer Chemistry Center (CCC) Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
Fabio Candolfi
Applied Physics Department of Physics Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
Daniel Langford
Physical Chemistry I Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
Maximilian Herm
Physical Chemistry I Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
Evanie Franz
Interface Research and Catalysis, ECRC, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
Ryan W. Crisp
Chemistry of Thin Film Materials Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
Frank Hampel
Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy & Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Strasse 10, Erlangen 91058, Germany
Michael Krieger
Applied Physics Department of Physics Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
Andreas Späth
Physical Chemistry II Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
Benjamin Watts
Paul Scherrer Institute Villigen Switzerland
Jörg Libuda
Interface Research and Catalysis, ECRC, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
Heiko B. Weber
Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM) Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
Bernd Meyer
Computer Chemistry Center (CCC) & Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials (ICMM), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nägelsbachstraße 25, 91052 Erlangen, Germany
Dirk M. Guldi
Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy & Interdisciplinary Center for Molecular Materials, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstrasse 3, Erlangen 91058, Germany
Rainer H. Fink
Physical Chemistry II Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐Nürnberg Erlangen Germany