Molecular‐Interactions Driven Conjugated Polymer Nanofiber Self‐Assembly Toward Greener Fabrication

Y Yongcao Zhang (Materials Science and Engineering Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal Saudi Arabia) D Diego Rosas Villalva (Materials Science and Engineering Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal Saudi Arabia) O Osnat Zapata‐Arteaga (Materials Science and Engineering Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal Saudi Arabia) L Lingyun Zhao (Imaging and Characterization Core Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) J Jianhua Han (State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Technology Innovation Center of High Performance Resin Materials (Liaoning Province)) H Han Xu F Filip Aniés A Anirudh Sharma (Materials Science and Engineering Program (MSE), Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE)) D Daniel Corzo (Materials Science and Engineering Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal Saudi Arabia) D Derya Baran (Materials Science and Engineering Program (MSE), Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE))

Abstract

ABSTRACT Self‐assembled conjugated polymer (CP) nanofibers form elongated, percolated networks that facilitate efficient charge transport and mechanical compliance, yet a general strategy for their formation from solution remains elusive. Here, we present a molecular‐interaction‐governed framework for antisolvent‐induced nanofiber self‐assembly that couples thermodynamic fibrillar preaggregate formation with kinetic nanofiber growth. The framework integrates Hansen solubility parameters with a segment‐specific affinity descriptor to predict solvent‐antisolvent combinations for nanofiber formation. Structural characterization combined with molecular modeling shows that antisolvents with low affinity for alkyl side chains promote rigid, elongated fibrillar preaggregates, acting as key intermediates in nanofiber formation. This framework is validated across diverse solvent–antisolvent combinations and polymer systems, yielding nanofibers with tunable widths of 50–200 nm. It further enables the identification of eco‐friendly, terpene‐based solvent systems for green nanofiber manufacturing, while achieving up to threefold enhancements in field‐effect mobility. Together, these advances provide a pathway to rationally control CP nanostructures, offering broad utility for advancing sustainable, stretchable electronics.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 37
Published July 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (10)

Y

Yongcao Zhang

Materials Science and Engineering Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal Saudi Arabia

D

Diego Rosas Villalva

Materials Science and Engineering Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal Saudi Arabia

O

Osnat Zapata‐Arteaga

Materials Science and Engineering Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal Saudi Arabia

L

Lingyun Zhao

Imaging and Characterization Core Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

J

Jianhua Han

State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, Technology Innovation Center of High Performance Resin Materials (Liaoning Province)

H

Han Xu

F

Filip Aniés

A

Anirudh Sharma

Materials Science and Engineering Program (MSE), Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE)

D

Daniel Corzo

Materials Science and Engineering Physical Science and Engineering (PSE) Division King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Thuwal Saudi Arabia

D

Derya Baran

Materials Science and Engineering Program (MSE), Physical Science and Engineering Division (PSE)