Formation of Conductive Pathways to Improve Thermoelectric Performance in Doped Polymers
발표자
김병진 (포항공과대학교)
연구책임자
조길원 (포항공과대학교)
초록
내용
Chemical doping enhances the electrical performance of conjugated polymers (CPs), yet intrinsic disorder often restricts charge transport to a subpercolation regime due to disrupted connectivity between conducting domains. Here, we employ a simple molecular design strategy to overcome this limitation by inducing small π–π aggregates within amorphous regions. A random copolymer with 33 mol% unsubstituted thiophene units (RP33) achieves high conductivity (>500 S cm⁻¹) and a power factor >100 μW m⁻¹ K⁻² via ion exchange doping. Structure analyses and transport analyses reveal that these aggregates establish percolation pathways in the disordered matrix, enabling coherent charge transport. This work highlights aggregate-driven microstructural engineering as a promising route to boost charge transport in doped CPs.