Oxidative chemical vapor deposition for synthesis and processing of conjugated polymers: a critical review

Abstract

Oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD) has developed progressively in the last two decades as a solvent-free (or dry) methodology for synthesis and thin film deposition of conjugated polymers. This method has offered new opportunities beyond traditional solution processing methods in the research of these materials. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the differences between the solvent-free vs. solvent-based methodologies for synthesis and thin film deposition of conjugated polymers. Herein, the strengths and limitations of each procedure are compared in order to provide guidelines for future research and development. This review systematically approaches this comparison by first characterizing the thin films in terms of their chemical and physical properties. Then, the interfacial properties of a conjugated polymer thin film with the underlying substrate are critically compared when two different processing methods are exploited. Finally, the effect of the substrate on the coating properties and performance is reviewed.