Interchain interactions between π-systems have a strong effect on the properties of conjugated organic materials that find application in devices such as light emitting diodes (OLEDs), organic photovoltaics (OPVs), and field effect transistors (FETs). We have prepared covalently-stacked oligo(1,4-phenylene ethynylene)s and oligo(1,4-phenylene vinylene)s to study the influence of chain-chain interactions on the electronic structure of closely packed conjugated units. These serve as models for segments of conjugated materials in thin film devices. Extension of this concept has allowed us to prepare multi-tiered systems that display the influence of pi-stacking. The stacked architectures were prepared by multi-step synthesis of the scaffolds, followed by metal-catalyzed cross coupling reactions (Sonogashira, Heck, Suzuki couplings) to incorporate the conjugated oligomers. The optical and electrochemical properties of these stacked compounds and polymers were compared to their unstacked linear counterparts. These studies provide a platform for the exploration of the nature of charge carriers and excitons in a broad class of materials that have significant potential in addressing challenges in power generation, lighting and electronics.PhDCommittee Chair: Collard, David; Committee Member: Beckham, Haskell; Committee Member: France, Stefan; Committee Member: Srinivasarao, Mohan; Committee Member: Tolbert, Lare
