Low Bandgap, Highly Polarizable, and Intrinsically Conductive Polymers
Abstract
This program is directed at developing novel -conjugated organic materials for magneto-optical and conductive properties. The target materials require new synthetic routes and the development of novel strategies. We established that chirality in conjugated polymers, specifically helical structures, plays a major role in dictating the magnitude and sign of the Verdet constant, which is a measure of the response. This result has helped focus our research on exploring different forms of chiral materials. We focused on the polymerization of functional conjugated polymers, their chiral assembly, and post-polymerization cyclization reactions. We completed the construction of a magneto-optical spectrometer that has the ability to measure the Faraday rotation with high precision over a range of wavelengths. This latter system has enabled deeper insights into the origin of magneto-optical behavior in different materials systems. Phthalocyanine and porphyrin systems were investigated in thin film form and found to have large Verdet constants. Metallocenes with open electronic shells were found to be promising magneto-optical systems. Novel methods to induce chirality were also developed and liquid crystal systems were design that assemble into chiral structures with the application of electric fields.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 21, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1145910
Entities
People
- Timothy M. Swager
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology