Lee, Jin Hee Khan, Yeasin Kim, Seunghwan Choi Aejin Walker, Bright Park, Soohyung Seo, Jung Hwa 2024-01-25T06:00:52Z 2024-01-25T06:00:52Z 2024-01-25 2024-05 1616-301X https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/148473 Research in the field of organic electronics has witnessed dramatic improvements in device performance over the past several decades through an ever-improving understanding of electron and hole movement and the development of new interfacial materials. In this study, a type of interfacial material that relies on ionic charges comprising metal:poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) polyelectrolytes are synthesized and investigated as structural analogs of the ubiquitously used poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene:polystyrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole transport layer, in order to investigate correlations between metal cation ions and the cationic PEDOT component. The metal ions selected for this study include Li, Mg, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pd, Ag, Cs, and Pb ions. To analyze the interfacial energy level alignment, electronic band structure, and band bending at the Indium tin oxide (ITO)/metal:PSS interface, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) are employed. Alkali (earth) and post-transition metals show deep highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels and low work function (WF) due to Fermi level balance, implying poor hole transport. Remarkably, Cu:PSS displays a unique electronic structure, suggesting potential as a hole transport layer with increased WF and low hole injection barrier. Period 5 transition metals mirror PEDOT:PSS trends, and Ag:PSS holds the potential to form effective ohmic contacts. English John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Photoelectron Spectroscopic Study of the Interfacial Electronic Structures of Metal­Ion Containing Polyelectrolytes on ITO Substrates Article 10.1002/adfm.202315074 1 Advanced Functional Materials, v.34, no.22 Advanced Functional Materials 34 22 N scie scopus 001147989600001 Chemistry, Multidisciplinary Chemistry, Physical Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Materials Science, Multidisciplinary Physics, Applied Physics, Condensed Matter Chemistry Science & Technology - Other Topics Materials Science Physics Article energy level alignment interfacial material metal doped polyelectrolyte photoelectron spectroscopy