Stein, Gila E.2016-08-182016-08-18May 20142014-05http://hdl.handle.net/10657/1406Polymer semiconductors are used in low-cost electronics such as plastic solar cells, thin film transistors, and light-emitting diodes. Their performance in these devices is partly dictated by molecular ordering and nanoscale structure, where the latter is particularly difficult to control. We demonstrate a simple approach to control the structure and function of polymer semiconductors by patterning with proximity ion beam lithography (PIBL). The lithographic process generates intermolecular cross-links that render the polymer insoluble in organic solvents. The effects of PIBL exposure dose on optoelectronic properties and molecular ordering were investigated with measurements of ultraviolet-visible absorbance, hole mobility in the space-charge-limited regime, and crystallinity. We find evidence that extensive cross-linking will disrupt intermolecular ordering and introduce electronic trap states that reduce absorbance and mobility.application/pdfengThe author of this work is the copyright owner. UH Libraries and the Texas Digital Library have their permission to store and provide access to this work. Further transmission, reproduction, or presentation of this work is prohibited except with permission of the author(s).Polymer semiconductorsProximity ion beam lithographyP3HTCharge mobilityMolecular ordering2016-08-18Thesisborn digital