Template-based preparation of free-standing semiconducting polymeric nanorod arrays on conductive substrates

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2010 Jun;2(6):1573-80. doi: 10.1021/am100085t.

Abstract

We describe the synthesis and characterization of a cross-linkable siloxane-derivatized tetraphenylbenzidine (DTMS-TPD), which was used for the fabrication of semiconducting highly ordered nanorod arrays on conductive indium tin oxide or Pt-coated substrates. The stepwise process allow fabricating of macroscopic areas of well-ordered free-standing nanorod arrays, which feature a high resistance against organic solvents, semiconducting properties and a good adhesion to the substrate. Thin films of the TPD derivate with good hole-conducting properties could be prepared by cross-linking and covalently attaching to hydroxylated substrates utilizing an initiator-free thermal curing at 160 degrees C. The nanorod arrays composed of cross-linked DTMS-TPD were fabricated by an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template approach. Furthermore, the nanorod arrays were investigated by a recently introduced method allowing to probe local conductivity on fragile structures. It revealed that more than 98% of the nanorods exhibit electrical conductance and consequently feature a good electrical contact to the substrate. The prepared nanorod arrays have the potential to find application in the fabrication of multilayered device architectures for building well-ordered bulk-heterojunction solar cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aluminum Oxide / chemistry
  • Electric Conductivity
  • Engineering / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Materials Testing
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nanotubes / chemistry
  • Organic Chemicals / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Semiconductors
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Organic Chemicals
  • Polymers
  • Aluminum Oxide