The morphology of conjugated polymer thin films, influenced by the kinetics of film drying, significantly affects their electrical properties. This study examines the impact of solvent and coating temperature on the thin-film morphology of blade-coated poly{[N,N′-bis(2-octyldodecyl)-naphthalene-1,4,5,8-bis(dicarboximide)-2,6-diyl]-alt-5,5′-(2,2′-bithiophene)}. Using in situ measurements, we observed the evolution of polymer aggregates and crystallites, crucial for forming charge-transport pathways, in real-time. By combining in situ UV-visible spectroscopy and grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis, five distinct stages in the blade-coating process were identified, regardless of the solvent and coating temperature. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between thin polymer film morphology and their charge-transport properties, aiding in the optimization of thin film structural evolution.-Science journal cover design by scapiens
[Scientific Journal cover design] Low-Thermal-Budget Fluorite-Structure Ferroelectrics for Future Electronic Device Applications
In article number 2100028, Jiyoung Kim, Si Joon Kim, and their team review key factors involved in developing fluorite-structure ferroelectrics
