Project Details
Projekt
Metal-organic conducting polymers for emerging soft electronics
Applicant
Dr. Lukas Sporrer
Subject Area
Polymer Materials
Term
since 2025
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 569501957
This project aims to develop a new class of PEDOT-inspired conducting polymers using a metal-organic polymerization approach. Unlike traditional PEDOT:PSS systems, which are limited by short polymer chains and high insulating PSS content, this strategy allows for greater synthetic control over polymer architecture, enabling longer conjugated chains, tunable doping levels, and improved mechanical and electronic properties. These advancements are key for applications in flexible electronics and bioelectronics, such as electronic skin (e-skin) and implantable devices.The research brings together the applicant’s expertise in metal-organic conductors and the host group’s strengths in polymer synthesis and device fabrication. The core innovation lies in leveraging reversible metal-ligand coordination chemistry to synthesize high-molecular-weight, PEDOT-inspired polymers. This method allows the systematic variation of monomer design, conjugation length, and side-chain functionality, with the goal of enhancing interchain charge transport, solubility, and processability into thin films.The project is guided by several key questions: Can coordination chemistry overcome the chain-length and conductivity limitations of commercial PEDOT:PSS? Can templated synthesis approaches, common in framework materials, be adapted to improve film morphology and reduce insulating domains? Can metal-ligand bonds introduce new functionalities, such as redox activity or biodegradability? And ultimately, can these materials outperform PEDOT:PSS in practical device settings?The work is structured into two main packages: material synthesis and device integration. The first phase involves designing EDOT-based monomers and oligomers with groups that are suitable to form conjugated metal-monomer linkages and polymerizing them using benign transition metals such as Ni, Co, and Cu. Templated synthesis strategies, both in-situ and interfacial, will be explored to improve structural homogeneity and charge transport. The second phase includes comprehensive structural, mechanical, and electronic characterization. Techniques such as XRD, GIWAXS, AFM, and UV-Vis will be used alongside transport measurements and electrochemical analysis to assess performance under strain and in ionic environments.Finally, proof-of-concept devices, including flexible transistors and sensors, will demonstrate the real-world potential of these materials. These devices will be benchmarked against PEDOT:PSS to quantify improvements in conductivity, flexibility, and stability.This interdisciplinary project connects molecular design with application-driven goals, targeting sustainable, high-performance materials for next-generation soft and bioelectronic technologies.
DFG Programme
WBP Fellowship
International Connection
USA
