Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of polycarbazole, polyindolocarbazole, and polydiindolocarbazole derivatives

In a quest for thermoelectric polymeric materials novel polycarbazole and polyindolocarbazole derivatives were synthesized. Alkyl side chains on the carbazole cycle and different side chains (alkyl or benzoyl) on the nitrogen atom of the backbone unit were introduced. Optical, electrochemical, electrical, and thermoelectric properties were investigated on these polymers and on two poly(diindolocarbazole)s. Band structure calculations were used to predict which polymers might be promising as thermoelectric materials. The best combination of Seebeck coefficient and conductivity (power factor) was around 10-7 W m-1 K-2 with copolymers comprising thiophene units alternating with carbazole or indolocarbazole. This family of polymers possesses good Seebeck coefficients, but there is still a need to improve the electrical conductivity, to produce useful thermoelectric materials.NRC publication: Ye