High thermoelectric power factor of poly(3-hexylthiophene) through in-plane alignment and doping with a molybdenum dithiolene complex

TL;DR

This study demonstrates a record thermoelectric power factor in poly(3-hexylthiophene) achieved through in-plane alignment and doping, highlighting its potential as a thermoelectric material.

Contribution

The paper reports a high thermoelectric power factor in P3HT using in-plane alignment and molybdenum dithiolene doping, a novel approach for this polymer.

Findings

Record power factor of 160 μW/mK^2 in P3HT.

Enhanced charge mobility along the rubbing direction.

P3HT's potential as a thermoelectric material.

Abstract

Here we report a record thermoelectric power factor of up to 160 $\mu$ W m-1 K-2 for the conjugated polymer poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). This result is achieved through the combination of high-temperature rubbing of thin films together with the use of a large molybdenum dithiolene p-dopant with a high electron affinity. Comparison of the UV-vis-NIR spectra of the chemically doped samples to electrochemically oxidized material reveals an oxidation level of 10%, i.e. one polaron for every 10 repeat units. The high power factor arises due to an increase in the charge-carrier mobility and hence electrical conductivity along the rubbing direction. We conclude that P3HT, with its facile synthesis and outstanding processability, should not be ruled out as a potential thermoelectric material.