Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Dettmann, Makena A.
• Cavalcante, Lucas S. R.
• Magdaleno, Corina A.
• Moulé, Adam J.

Titel

Catching the Killer: Dynamic Disorder Design Rules for Small‐Molecule Organic Semiconductors

Ist Teil von

• Advanced functional materials, 2023-04, Vol.33 (14), p.n/a

Ort / Verlag

Hoboken: Wiley Subscription Services, Inc

Erscheinungsjahr

2023

Quelle

Access via Wiley Online Library

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Small‐molecule organic semiconductors are promising materials for applications ranging from solar cells to medical sensors. Their nearly infinite design space means that, in theory, it is possible to tailor the material to the exact specifications of a particular application. In reality; however, design rules to improve mobility (μ) remain elusive because of the complex calculations required to understand its limiters. Transient localization theory posits that charge carriers are slowed down by the collective phonon motions, called dynamic disorder, which localize charge carriers temporarily. Traditionally, a mode‐by‐mode analysis is performed to try and identify “killer” modes. Herein, the flaws are demonstrated with this analysis and present a streamlined simulation workflow that simplifies simulation of dynamic disorder and enables engineering of new molecular structures based on phonon dynamics. This workflow is combined with a novel visualization technique that enables per‐atom insights into how μ is limited. This workflow is applied and analyzed to a series of ‐acenes and a series of BTBT‐based molecules. Then design rules are identified in each series that identify possible ways to improve the μ beyond current experimental limits using phonon engineering. Although mobility in organic semiconductors can be described with transient localization theory, there are no methods for determining design rules for higher‐performance materials. The standard procedure analyzes that “killer” modes have the greatest impact. It demonstrates flaws with this analysis and presents a new method that identifies which atoms limit mobility in these materials and, consequently, identify design rules.