Twist and shout: a surprising synergy between aryl and N-substituents defines the computed charge transport properties in a series of crystalline diketopyrrolopyrroles

The influence of systematic variation of aryl and N-substitution on predicted charge transport behaviour in a series of crystalline diketopyrrolopyrroles is evaluated. A correct combination of substituents is revealed to maximise those properties which dictate device performance in organic single crystals based upon this structural motif. For electron transport, furan and N-alkyl substitution emerge as optimal molecular design strategies, whilst phenyl structures bearing N-benzyl substituents are shown to offer the most significant promise as highly sought after crystalline hole transport materials.