Synthesis of a polar conjugated polythiophene for 3D-printing of complex coacervates

Abstract: The aim of this thesis was to synthesize a functionalized polar conjugated polythiophene that could be (3D-) printed into form-stable structures for bio-interfacing. The material design rationale aimed for a water-processable polymer that had the capability of electronic and ionic conduction, by using a thiophene backbone and oligoethylene side chains. Functionalization of the oligoethylene side chains with carboxylate groups created a polyanion, which allowed for a bio-inspired approach to combine printability and form-stability through formation of complex coacervates. The synthesis of the conjugated monomer and polymer was optimized to provide a more sustainable and material efficient synthesis route. Combined structural analysis with 1H-NMR, FT-IR and UV-vis revealed successful synthesis of the target polymer. Spectro electrochemistry revealed that the polymer was optically and electrochemically active in both the protected and deprotected form. The obtained material is processable from water, and initial tests revealed that crosslinking can be achieved through formation of acid dimers, ionic crosslinks with Ca2+ ions and complex coacervation with a polycation.