Semiconducting and Metallic Covalent Polymers: (CH)X and its Derivatives
Abstract
POLYACETYLENE, (CH)x, is the simplest possible conjugated organic polymer and is therefore of special fundamental interest. It can be prepared in the form of lustrous, silvery, flexible, polycrystalline films having any desired cis/trans content by catalytic polymerization of gaseous acetylene, C2H2. The cis-rich films can be stretched easily at room temperature in excess of three times their original length with concomitant partial alignment of the (CH)x fibrils. Dark red gels of toluene in (CH)x may be prepared using a lower catalyst concentration. Highly porous, very low density, 'foam-like' (CH)x can be obtained from these gels. Both cis- and trans-(CH)x are p-type semiconductors which can be treated with a variety of p- or n-type dopants with concomitant increase in conductivity to give a series of semiconductors and ultimately, 'organic metals'. This report will be directed primarily towards a description of the more chemically oriented aspects of (CH)x and its derivatives. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 08, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA086941
Entities
People
- Alan G. Macdiarmid
- Alan J. Heeger
Organizations
- University of Pennsylvania