Unique and efficient modulation of polycarbazole thin film surface morphology by electrochemical, photochemical and self-assembly techniques

Surface morphology significantly impacts the performance of conducting polymers by influencing charge transport, electromechanical properties, and diffusion dynamics. Understanding and controlling surface morphology is crucial for optimizing the performance of conducting polymers in various applications. In this work, we synthesized for the first time the Azo-SH molecule containing azobenzene, thiol and carbazole groups, thus enabling it photoactivity, electroactivity and self-assembly properties. By integrating the photosensitive azobenzene and the thiol-terminated functional molecule into the electroactive carbazole group, it has been obtained unique surface morphologies that modulating effectively and efficiently via electrochemical, photochemical and self-assembly. The electroactive and photoactive polymer films obtained by electropolymerization were characterized by AFM, e-QCM, electrochemical impedance and XPS techniques. This study has demonstrated as a proof of concept that the surface properties of thin films formed with all-in-one type molecules can be modified by electrochemical, photochemical and self-assembly techniques. Surface morphology modulation of thin films by including wettability, polarity, dipole moment and other properties would provide a powerful approach to prepare functional organic devices.