Towards continuous junction (CJ) organic electronic devices: Fast and clean post-polymerization modification by oxidation using dimethyldioxirane (DMDO)

An advanced design concept for organic electronic devices relying on functional polymers is presented. The concept aims at realizing a gradual transition from an electron-donating to an electron-accepting material in a specific post-polymerization modification step. Hence, this approach facilitates a straight forward fabrication compared to conventional multi-layer architectures. The synthesis via microwave-assisted Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition of the reactive polymers based on sulfur, selenium and tellurium as active sites is presented; full characterization of model compounds and polymers is provided. Additionally, a reliable procedure for post-polymerization oxidation applying dimethyldioxirane is developed. Photophysical and electrochemical characteristics of the novel polymers reveal the feasibility but also the challenges of the continuous junction concept.