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RESEARCH PRODUCT

In-situ synthesis of thiophene-based multifunctional polymeric networks with tunable conductivity and high photolithographic performance

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Abstract Design of novel multifunctional polymeric materials combining electrically conducting properties with patterning capability is a significant challenge in materials science. Herein, we report on the synthesis of multifunctional interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) by the in-situ oxidative polymerization of thiophene-based monomers with Cu(ClO 4 ) 2 inside a novolac-based photoresist. The resulting IPNs show conductivities up to 20 S/cm depending on the monomer properties. Among them, 3,3‴-Dihexyl-2,2’:5′,2’’:5″,2‴-quaterthiophene (DH4T) is chosen because it has the largest conjugation length and excellent solubility in organic solvents. Moreover, it renders a low percolation threshold and smooth surface morphology if compared with terthiophene (3T). FTIR and XPS spectroscopy confirm the DH4T polymerization by Cu(ClO 4 ) 2 and provide some insights about the doping level of the conducting polymer. We also propose a new photolithographic route based on the DH4T polymerization in novolac after pattern generation by oxidant sorption. This novel fabrication route leads to conducting IPNs with outstanding lithographic performance.