Linda Tian
Advisor: Prof. Natalie Stingelin

will defend a M.S. thesis titled,

 Controlling Local Order by Blending Conjugated Polymers with Ionic Liquids  

On

Thursday, January 9 at 12 p.m.

 Virtually via Microsoft Teams

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Meeting ID: 268 267 243 918

Passcode: mT9iZ92t

Committee

            Prof. Natalie Stingelin – School of Materials Science and Engineering (advisor)
            Prof. Matthew McDowell– School of Materials Science and Engineering
            Prof. Antonio Facchetti – School of Materials Science and Engineering 

Abstract 

Blending conjugated polymers with ionic liquids (ILs) is a promising method for controlling local order. This thesis investigates the effect of blending poly[2,5-bis(3-tetradecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene] (PBTTT-C14) with various imidazolium-based ionic liquids ([C12mim][TFSI], [C8mim][TFSI], and [C6mim][TFSI]) to control local order and enhance material functionality. Morphological, thermal, and optical characterizations were performed across a range of PBTTT:IL blending ratios, revealing the emergence of phase-separated morphologies at higher IL concentrations and shifts in thermal transition temperatures. UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated red-shifts and vibronic coupling enhancements, signifying tunable electronic properties. The introduction of vacuum compression molding into the differential scanning calorimetry sample preparation process improved thermal contact, enabling more precise analysis of phase transitions. From this work, findings suggest that the local order and optoelectronic properties can be finely tuned through the blending process as well as through IL selection and concentration, offering insights into the design of advanced materials for optoelectronic applications.