Radiation-induced conductivity in poly(phenylene vinylene) derivatives

Using the pulse-radiolysis time-resolved microwave conductivity technique the mobility and decay kinetics of radiation-induced charge carriers is studied in a series of poly(2,5-dialkoxy-phenylene vinylene) derivatives. The lower limit to the sum of the mobilities of the positive and negative charge carriers. Σμ(min), depends strongly on the alkoxy functionalization and ranges from 1.2·10^-7 to 1.4·10^-6 m²N/V·s at room temperature. Σμ(min) increases with the degree of order in the material. The after-pulse conductivity decay kinetics are disperse and are controlled by a combination of charge recombination and trapping.