Polymer Innovation for Advanced Organic Electronics (PI-AOE) at Purdue University

n-PBDF

N-doped Poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF) has been independently reported by the research groups led by Prof. Fei Huang at South China University of Technologyand and Prof. Mei at Purdue University. In October 2022, Professor Huang's team published their findings in Nature, detailing the synthesis of n-PBDF through duroquinone (TMQ) promoted polymerization, while in February 2023, Professor Mei's group reported their research in the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), focusing on the copper catalyzed polymerization of n-PBDF through a combined oxidative polymerization and reductive n-doping process. Both studies highlighted the polymer's high conductivity and air stability. 

Copper catalyzed polymerization of n-PBDF

 

n-PBDF, initially known for its high electrical conductivity and tunable optoelectronic properties, has undergone significant advancements in synthesis, doping mechanism, charge transport, and applications in various fields.

Key Highlights in n-PBDF Development:

  1. Chemical Structure and Modifications:

    • PBDF is a conjugated polymer based on benzodifurandione units, characterized by an inherently planar backbone promoting excellent charge transport.
    • Chemical tailoring of the polymer backbone or side chains has enabled efficient n-doping, facilitating electron-rich states crucial for n-type conductivity.

  2. Doping Mechanisms:

    • n-PBDF's doping primarily involves introducing strong electron donors or reducing agents to populate the conduction band with electrons.
    • The ability to control the degree of doping and deepen the understanding of the band structure are critical to fully harnessing the potential of n-doped Poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF).

  3. Performance Metrics:

    • High electron mobility has been achieved, making n-PBDF competitive with traditional n-type materials.
    • Its air and thermal stability outperform many other n-type polymers, addressing a significant challenge in organic electronics.

  4. Applications:

    • n-PBDF shows promise in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic photovoltaics (OPVs), organic electrochromics, organic electrochemical transistors, organic thermoelectric devices, supercapacitors and batteries.
    • The material's unique properties also make it suitable for flexible and wearable electronic applications.
    • n-PBDF in biointerfaces and bioelectronics

  5. Challenges and Opportunities:

    • Achieving high conductivity without compromising material stability remains a critical focus.
    • Further research on scalable synthesis methods and integration into devices will drive its broader adoption.

The development of n-PBDF represents a significant step forward in the field of organic semiconductors, offering a robust platform for advancing sustainable and high-performance electronic devices.

 

  1. A solution-processed n-type conducting polymer with ultrahigh conductivity, Tang, H., Liang, Y., Liu, C. et al.  Nature, 2022 611, 271–277. 
  2. Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Oligomers and Chains of Poly(benzodifurandione) (PBDF), A Highly Conducting n-Type Polymer, Xiaojuan Ni, Hong Li, and Jean-Luc Brédas, Chemistry of Materials 2023 35 (15), 5886-5894
  3. Highly Conductive and Solution-Processable n-Doped Transparent Organic Conductor, Zhifan Ke, Ashkan Abtahi, Jinhyo Hwang, Ke Chen, Jagrity Chaudhary, Inho Song, Kuluni Perera, Liyan You, Kyle N. Baustert, Kenneth R. Graham, and Jianguo Mei, Journal of the American Chemical Society 2023 145 (6), 3706-3715