Journal Article

PUBDB-2026-00092

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Directed Self-Assembly of the Organic Semiconductor C8-BTBT-C8 in Anodic Aluminum Oxide Nanopores

Li, Z. ; Sentker, K.Extern* ; Brinker, M.Extern* ; Lippmann, M.DESY* ; Seeck, O. H.DESY* ; Kityk, A. V. ; Ocko, B.Extern* ; Huber, P. (Corresponding author)Extern*DESY*

2025
ACS Publications Washington, DC

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1021/acsanm.5c04558

Abstract: Controlling the self-assembly of organic semiconductors at the nanoscale is critical for advancing high-performance electronic and photonic devices, yet it remains challenging due to their intrinsic anisotropic crystallization and sensitivity to processing conditions. Here, we demonstrate that cylindrical nanoconfinement within anodic aluminum oxide membranes provides a versatile platform to precisely tune the molecular orientation and phase behavior of the prototypical organic semiconductor 2,7-dioctyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (C8-BTBT-C8). Combining temperature-dependent high-resolution synchrotron X-ray scattering with optical birefringence measurements, we uncover that confinement geometries (pore diameters 25–180 nm) and surface chemistry govern the emergence of distinct smectic A textures, featuring molecular layers either parallel or perpendicular to the pore axis. The competition between axial and radial smectic layering is modulated by pore size, surface hydrophilicity, and thermal history, enabling reversible control over domain orientations and transitions between liquid crystalline and crystalline states. Notably, nanoconfinement stabilizes the smectic phase over an expanded temperature range compared to bulk, while inducing complex multidomain configurations owing to geometric constraints and anchoring conditions. Our results elucidate fundamental mechanisms by which anisotropic nanoscale confinement directs the self-organization of highly conjugated organic molecules, with implications for optimizing directional charge transport and anisotropic optical responses in organic–inorganic hybrid nanoarchitectures. This study establishes nanoconfinement as a powerful strategy to engineer morphology and functional properties in organic semiconducting materials with nanoscale precision.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. CIMMS-RA Center for integr. Multiscale M (CIMMS)
2. Bereichsleitung FS (FS)
3. PETRA-D (FS-PETRA-D)
4. DOOR-User (DOOR ; HAS-User)

Research Program(s):

1. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)
2. 6G3 - PETRA III (DESY) (POF4-6G3) (POF4-6G3)
3. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)192346071 - SFB 986: Maßgeschneiderte Multiskalige Materialsysteme - M3 (192346071) (192346071)
4. DFG project G:(GEPRIS)430146019 - Ionische Flüssigkristalle in Nanoporösen Festkörpern: Selbstorganisation, molekulare Mobilität und elektro-optische Funktionalitäten (430146019) (430146019)
5. TeraHertz - Novel Technologies and Materials for TeraHertz Radiation Control (101086493) (101086493)

Experiment(s):

1. PETRA Beamline P08 (PETRA III)

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Engineering, Computing and Technology ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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