Abstract

As organic semiconductors attract increasing attention to application in diverse fields such as bioelectronics and artificial photosynthesis, understanding and improving their robust operation in a variety of challenging environments is a critical task. In this presentation, results from our lab are highlighted including our development of a morphology control strategy using conjugation-break spacers [1], demonstration of melt-processed small-molecule OPVs [2], and investigations of covalently-linked block³ and network polymers⁴, which afford tunable charge transport and solvent tolerance—making them promising for application as charge-transport interlayers in all-solution processed devices. In addition, the application of bulk-heterojunctions to artificial photosynthesis via photoelectrochemical water splitting⁵ will be discussed in terms of the requirements for material stability. In this regard, our recent work in understanding the roles of charge transport and accumulation at the organic semiconductor/electrolyte interface has led to significant advances in the stability and performance of organic semiconductor photocathodes for direct solar water reduction into hydrogen. [1] Adv. Mater. 2015, 27, 5541. [2] Green Chem. 2018, 20, 2218. [3] ACS Macro Lett. 2019, 8, 134. [4] Adv. Funct. Mater. 2018, 28, 1706303. [5] Adv. Energy Mater. 2018, 1802585.