Design and synthesis of organic semiconductors - UHasselt

Research is focused on the design, synthesis and characterization of small organic molecules, oligomers and polymers (see research domains: pi-conjugated molecules and polymers) with electrical conductivity and/or special (electro)optical properties. There is a strong emphasis on the synthesis and structural analysis of conjugated polymers, particularly towards applications in plastic electronics (see research domains: Energy, Printable electronics and biosensing devices).

Besides the study of novel synthetic methods for special monomers and new polymerization routes and mechanisms, modifications of existing polymerization pathways are studied as well. In this area, attention is also paid to the theoretical basis related to these material systems, to gain insight into the underlying structure-property relations. The goal is to achieve rational material design. Main work aims are the development of new materials, fundamentals and concepts in semiconductor polymer technology. In this way a broad pallet of advanced electronic materials is available for further studies in devices, e.g. light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic photovoltaic devices (OPV) and chemo- or biosensors. Facilities to obtain these materials in larger quantities are available. The current focus is oriented towards p- and n-type organic semiconductors - functionalized p-arylene vinylene derivatives (such as the benchmark polymer MDMO-PPV), functionalized polythiophene (co)polymers (related to the state-of-the-art conjugated polymer P3HT), but also modern low-band gap materials (such as PCPDTBT) - always with a strong emphasis on processability and stability issues.

The DSOS group also has a longstanding tradition in joint scientific R&D within European projects, and servicing with industry and research centers (see services: custom organic/polymer synthesis).