Anomalous photovoltaic effect of π-conjugated ferroelectric liquid crystal bearing a polymerizable cyclotetrasiloxane ring.

Abstract

Recently, great interest has been paid for organic thin film devices which exhibit superior processability and flexibility. We have already reported π-conjugated ferroelectric LC phenylterthiophene derivatives exhibiting the anomalous photovoltaic effect. In this study, we synthesized the phenylterthiophene derivative bearing a polymerizable cyclotetrasiloxane ring at the terminal position of the alkyl side chain in order to improve the conversion efficiency by the stabilization of spontaneous polarization. The mesomorphic property, ferroelectricity, and carrier transport characteristics of the LC compounds were characterized. Moreover, in situ polymerization　and anomalous photovoltaic effect will be reported.