Photoelectrical properties and surface patterning of linearly functionalized [2.2]Paracyclophanes

Nanoscale materials based on chromophores having a tridimensional -system represent an attractive platform for optoelectronic applications. On this regard [2.2]paracyclophanes (PCP) [1-3] with an extended -conjugation due to the presence of linear and planar -electron systems are expected to be beneficial for testing new paradigms in charge transfer management. Photoconductive response of blends of conducting polymers (CP) and PCP is interesting for a fundamental understanding of the CP/PCP photo-induced processes and for the development of new photosensitive materials. [2.2]Paracyclophanes derivatives were incorporated as an electroactive component within a conductive polymer, i.e. poly (3-butylthiophene) (P3BT). The blend showed a photoelectrical response higher than that of the neat polymer. Surprisingly it was found (Figure 1) that the application of an electric bias during the preparation of the blend led to an increase of the photocurrent.