Phenol substituted polymethylsilane: a soluble conducting polymer with low cross-linking density

Polymethylsilane (PMS) is made up of backbone of –Si–Si–, which is potentially a semi-conducting or conducting polymer after doping. Different phenolic groups are introduced into the main chain through Si–H substitution reaction. The polymer structures, optical properties and conducting performance are characterized. The aromatic modified PMS show a significant red-shift in UV absorption and fluorescent emission, higher oxidation resistance in the air and better film-forming properties. The conductivity values are about 10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ and reach as high as 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ after I₂-doping. At the same time, they also keep a good solubility in several organic solvents. The effect of functional groups in improving optical and conductive performance is studied, and the relationship between crosslink structure and oxidation resistance is discussed.