The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are essential components in high-performance optoelectronic devices for efficient charge extraction and interface control. However, conventional SAMs often face limitations in packing density due to flexible alkyl linkers and Low fractional coverage, which lead to suboptimal interface quality. In this work, we propose a novel molecular engineering strategy that integrates a rigid conjugated phenylene linker with an asymmetric configuration. The rigid phenylene backbone ensures vertical alignment and enhances charge delocalization, facilitating rapid charge extraction. Simultaneously, the asymmetric design minimizes steric hindrance and significantly improves substrate coverage, forming a denser and more ordered thin film. We confirmed that the synergistic effects of improved SAM coverage and vertical orientation lead to more efficient charge extraction and significantly enhanced operational stability in PEC systems.