Synthesis and characterization of photoluminescent conjugated polymer containing N‐(α‐naphthyl)‐carbazole unit

A novel luminescent conjugated polymer, poly[{9‐(α‐naphthyl)‐3,6‐divinylenecarbazolylene}‐alt‐co‐(1,4‐phenylene)] (PNVCP), bearing alternated 9‐(α‐naphthyl)‐carbazole and benzene units, was synthesized via a Wittig–Horner reaction. The solubility, thermal, and optical properties were investigated. It was soluble in common organic solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran and 1,2‐dichlororoethane. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry showed that the conjugated polymer exhibited good thermal stability up to 496°C with a glass‐transition temperature higher than 110°C. The photoluminescence properties were studied. The polymer emits blue light and the quantum yield is 93% in solution. The emission spectra exhibited an obvious solvent effect. With the increase of the polarity of the solvents, the fluorescence spectra changed obviously and appeared to be redshifted at room temperature. The redshift was more obvious in aromatic solvents than in aliphatic solvents. When N,N‐dimethylaniline was gradually added into the solution of the conjugated polymer, the emission intensity of the fluorescence decreased. In comparison, the emission intensity of the polymer showed invariability when 1,4‐dicyanobenzene was added into the polymer solution. Moreover, the fluorescence of the polymer could be effectively quenched by fullerene. Overall, the synthesized polymer is a potential candidate material for fabrication of polymeric light‐emitting devices. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 923–927, 2006     

Dependence of optical properties on the preparation methods of poly[(9,9′‐dialkylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2,5‐diyl)]

A blue‐light‐emissive fluorene‐based polyoxadiazole, an n‐type polyfluorene derivative, was synthesized by both one‐step and two‐step methods. Directly polymerized poly[(9,9′‐didodecylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2,5‐diyl)] (PFOx‐DP) exhibited a higher molecular weight and a more efficient photoluminescence quantum yield than poly[(9,9′‐didodecylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2,5‐diyl)] (PFOx) prepared via a polyhydrazide precursor, poly[9,9′‐didodecylfluorene‐2,7‐(2,5‐dihydrazide‐ 1,3,4‐oxadiazole). Both polymers, differently prepared, showed similar photoluminescent properties in 1,2‐dichloroethane. However, in a film state, the influence of the interchain interactions on the photoluminescence of PFOx with the lower molecular weight was larger than on the photoluminescence of PFOx‐DP. The electron‐deficient property of an oxadiazole group in the polymer backbone resulted in low‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels of ?6.29 and ?3.26eV, respectively, of the polymer suitable for electron‐transport/hole‐blocking layers and emissive layers in multilayer electroluminescence devices. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3112–3118, 2004     

Synthesis and properties of polyether with short alternating conjugated and nonconjugated blocks containing oxadiazole units

A polyether, poly[(2,5‐dimethylene‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)dioxy‐1,4‐phenylene‐1,2‐ethenylene‐1,4‐phenylene‐1,2‐ethenylene‐1,4‐phenylene], based on short alternating conjugated oxadiazole units, has been synthesized, which is a kind of PPV derivative that emits blue light. The resulting polymer is fairly soluble in chloroform. The synthesized polymer shows a UV–visible absorbency maximum wavelength around 310 nm in solution. The photoluminescence maximum wavelength for the resulting polymer appears around 470 nm. The polymer also exhibits good thermal stability up to 300°C under N₂ atmosphere. It is also observed that the onset temperature of thermal decomposition is as high as 355°C. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2682–2686, 2002     

Synthesis,characterization, and photophysical properties of novel poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) derivatives with conjugated thiophene as side chains

Two novel poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) derivatives with conjugated thiophene side chains, P1 and P2, were synthesized by Wittig‐Horner reaction. The resulting polymers were characterized by ¹H‐NMR, FTIR, GPC, DSC, TGA, UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The polymers exhibited good thermal stability and film‐forming ability. The absorption spectra of P1 and P2 showed broader absorption band from 300 to 580 nm compared with poly[(p‐phenylene vinylene)‐alt‐(2‐methoxy‐5‐octyloxy‐p‐phenylene vinylene)] (P3) without conjugated thiophene side chains. Cyclic voltammograms displayed that the bandgap was reduced effectively by attaching conjugated thiophene side chains. This kind of polymer appears to be interesting candidates for solar‐cell applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis and nonlinear optical characterization of copolymers containing alternating 3,4‐dialkoxythiophene and (1,3,4‐oxadiazolyl)benzene units

We report the synthesis and linear and third‐order nonlinear optical (NLO) characterization of two novel copolymers containing alternating 3,4‐dialkoxythiophene and 1,4‐bis(1,3,4‐oxadiazolyl)benzene units. The copolymers were synthesized with a precursor polyhydrazide route. Both copolymers exhibited fluorescence around 430 nm under the irradiation of UV light. The NLO measurements were made with the single‐beam Z‐scan technique with Nd:YAG nanosecond laser pulses at 532 nm. The nonlinear refractive index of the investigated copolymers was negative, and the magnitude was as high as 10^?10 esu. The samples exhibited strong reverse saturation absorption and very good optical limiting properties at the wavelength used. The concentration dependence of third‐order NLO parameters was studied. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Synthesis and characterization of photoluminescent copolymer containing 1,1′‐binaphthyl and fluorene rings

The luminescent polymer, F‐DMBN, containing 2,2′‐dimethacrylanido‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (DMBN) and 9,9‐diphenylfluorene, is synthesized by the Heck reaction of halogenated and olefinic monomers. The structures are characterized by MS, ¹H‐NMR, and IR, and the photoluminescent properties are investigated by UV/vis absorption and fluorescence spectra. The results show that the polymer emits blue and blue–violet light. The luminescence quantum yield is 0.424 in ethanol and the emission spectra exhibit obvious solvent effects. In addition, the light emitting can be quenched by both electron donor (N,N‐dimethylaniline) and electron acceptor (fullerene), where the processes follow the Stern–Volmer equation. Moreover, the interaction between F‐DMBN and carbon nanotubes is also studied by fluorescent quenching. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 434–438, 2005     

Synthesis and properties of photoluminescent copolymer containing 1,3,4‐oxadiazole and carbazole rings

The luminescent copolymer 2‐phenyl‐5‐[3′‐(methacrylamido)phenyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole and vinylcarbazole (PMAPO–VCZ), combining hole‐facilitating moiety, carbazole ring, and electron‐facilitating moiety, 1,3,4‐oxadiazole, as side groups, was synthesized by a radical polymerization of the olefinic monomer PMAPO and VCZ. For comparison, the homopolymer P‐PMAPO was also synthesized by similar procedures. The solubility, thermal, and optical properties of the copolymers were investigated. The synthesized copolymer was soluble in common organic solvents but the homopolymer of PMAPO was dissolved only by hot THF. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed that the copolymer and homopolymer exhibit good thermal stability up to 360 and 340°C with glass‐transition temperatures higher than 105 and 65°C, respectively. The photoluminescence properties were investigated. The results showed that the copolymer emits blue and blue‐green light and the emission spectra of monomer and polymers exhibit obvious solvent effect. With the increase of polarity of solvents, the fluorescence spectra distinctly change, appearing with a red shift at room temperature. The concentration‐dependent emission spectra change significantly with the increase of concentration. In addition, when N,N‐dimethylaniline (DMA) was gradually added to the solution of copolymers, the emission intensity of fluorescence was dramatically increased. However, when the concentration of DMA was increased beyond a certain level, the emission intensity of fluorescence gradually decreased. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2777–2783, 2004     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of novel fully conjugated polymeric complexes containing 1,10‐phenanthroline

A novel fully conjugated polymer containing 1,10‐phenanthroline (DAPcDOD) was first synthesized by the polycondensation of 2,7‐dimethyl‐2,4,6‐octatriene‐1,8‐dial with 5,6‐diamine‐1,10‐phenanthroline. Three polymeric complexes were first prepared by the reaction of DAPcDOD with NiSO₄, CoCl₂, and FeSO₄, respectively. The structures of the polymer and the complexes were characterized by IR, ¹H‐NMR, and elemental analysis. The magnetic behaviors of these complexes were measured as a function of magnetic field strength (0–50 kOe) at 5 K and as a function of temperature (5–300 K) at a magnetic field strength of 30 kOe. The results show that DAPcDOD–Ni²⁺ and DAPcDOD–Co²⁺ were soft ferromagnets, whereas DAPcDOD–Fe²⁺ exhibited the features of an antiferromagnet. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

New fluorene–pyrazino[2,3‐g]quinoxaline‐conjugated copolymers: Synthesis,optoelectronic properties,and electroluminescence characteristics

New donor–acceptor conjugated copolymers called poly}2,7‐(9,9′‐dihexylfluorene)‐co‐5,10‐[pyrazino(2,3‐g)quinoxaline]{s or PFPQs [where F represents the 2,7‐(9,9′‐dihexylfluorene) moiety and PQ represents the 5,10‐(pyrazino[2,3‐g]quinoxaline) moiety], synthesized by the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction, are reported. The PQ contents in the PFPQ copolymers were 0.3, 1, 5, and 50 mol %, and the resulting copolymers were named PFPQ0.3, PFPQ01, PFPQ05, and PFPQ50, respectively. Absorption spectra showed a progressive redshift as the PQ acceptor content increased. The relatively small optical band gap of 2.08 eV for PFPQ50 suggested strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) between the F and PQ moieties. The photoluminescence emission peaks of the PFPQ copolymer films also exhibited a large redshift with enhanced PQ contents, ranging from 551 nm for PFPQ0.3 to 592 nm for PFPQ50. However, the PFPQ copolymer based electroluminescence (EL) devices showed poor device performances probably due to the strong confinement of the electrons in the PQ moiety or significant ICT. This problem was resolved with a binary blend of poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)] (PF) and PFPQ with a volume ratio of 95/5 (BPQ05). Multiple emission peaks were observed at 421, 444, 480, 516, and 567 nm in the BPQ05‐based EL devices because the low PQ content led to incomplete energy transfer. The Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage 1931 coordinates of the BPQ05‐based EL device were (0.31, 0.32), which were very close to the standard white emission of (0.33, 0.33). Furthermore, the maximum luminescence intensity and luminescence yield were 524 cd/m² and 0.33 cd/A, respectively. This study suggested that a pure white light emission was achieved with the PFPQ copolymers or PF/PFPQ blends through the control of the energy transfer between F and PQ. Such PFPQ copolymers or PF/PFPQ blends would be interesting for electronic and optoelectronic devices. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Effects of solution processing on the photovoltaic response of poly(n‐vinyl carbazole) films

The effects of solution processing on the photovoltaic response of poly(n‐vinyl carbazole) (PVK) films were investigated. PVK films were formed by spincasting onto glass coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)–polystyrenesulfonate (PSS). Some of the PVK films were redissolved in chlorobenzene and redried in the absence or presence of an electric field. Illuminated current–voltage characteristics were measured for an ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PVK/Ca:Al device. Films spincast from a 50 mg/mL solution, redissolved, and dried in the absence of the electric field exhibited a 26% higher charge collection efficiency than films dried in the presence of the electric field. The increased charge collection efficiency was attributed to changes in the molecular configuration of the PVK films. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Synthesis,characterization, and electro‐optical properties of a soluble conjugated polymer containing an oxadiazole unit in the main chain

A novel copolymer, poly{[2,5‐diphenylene‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐vinylene]‐alt‐[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene]}(MEH‐OPPV) containing a high‐electron‐affinity unit of aromatic oxadiazole in the main chain is synthesized through the Wittig condensation reaction. The obtained copolymer is easily soluble in conventional organic solvents. The structure of the copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and ultraviolet‐visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The TGA result indicates that the copolymer has very high thermal stability (stable up to 310°C in nitrogen), while DSC investigation demonstrates that the glass transition temperature (T_g) is 143°C, which might be a merit for the long‐life operation of light‐emitting devices. The absorption spectrum of film sample of the copolymer reveals two peaks at 310 and 370 nm, respectively, and the edge absorption corresponds to a band gap of 2.46 eV. A single‐layer light‐emitting diode device ITO/MEH‐OPPV/Al is successfully fabricated. The device emits visible yellowish‐green light above the bias voltage of 4.0 V under ambient condition. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2618–2623, 2003     

一种新型共轭Schiff碱聚合物的合成与表征

以对苯二甲醛和水合肼为原料,无水乙醇作溶剂合成了一种共轭Schiff碱聚合物,并通过GPC、IR、1 H NMR、紫外-可见吸收光谱和荧光光谱对其分子量和组成结构进行表征。结果表明,该物质为一种分子量较大的共轭Schiff碱聚合物,具有良好的荧光性。     

Synthesis,characterization, electrochemistry and optical properties of a novel phenanthrenequinone‐ alt‐dialkylfluorene conjugated copolymer

This paper describes the synthesis, characterization and electro‐optical properties of a 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (PQ)‐containing alternating conjugated copolymer: poly[(9,10‐phenanthrenequinone‐2,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(9,9‐di‐n‐hexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)] (PPQF). The copolymer has good solubility in common organic solvents such as CH₂Cl₂, CHCl₃ and tetrahydrofuran. The polymer structure was determined using ¹H NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and elemental analysis. The polymer possesses a low‐energy n → π* electronic state caused by the C?O groups of the PQ repeating units, and exhibits interesting and improved electrochemical reduction activity as compared to poly(9,9‐di‐n‐hexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl) and molecular PQ. PPQF has no fluorescence in solution but shows interesting transitions from no fluorescence to strong fluorescence after it undergoes electrochemical reduction. The polymer PPQF may find use as a starting material for a range of applications and can also be used to prepare other polymers due to the presence of the PQ repeating units. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and characterization of novel phenyl‐substituted poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) derivatives

Two novel phenyl‐substituted poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) derivatives, poly{2‐[3′,4′‐(2″‐ethylhexyloxy)(3″,7″‐dimethyloctyloxy)benzene]‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene} (EDP‐PPV) and poly{2‐[3′,4′‐(2″‐ethylhexyloxy)(3″,7″‐dimethyloctyloxy)benzene]‐5‐methoxy‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene} (EDMP‐PPV), and their copolymer, poly{2‐[3′,4′‐(2″‐ethylhexyloxy)(3″,7″‐dimethyloctyloxy)benzene]‐1,4‐phenylene‐vinylene‐co‐2‐[3′,4′‐(2″‐ethylhexyloxy)(3″,7″‐dimethyloctyloxy)benzene]‐5‐methoxy‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene} (EDP‐co‐EDMP‐PPV; 4:1, 1:1, and 1:4), were successfully synthesized according to the Gilch route. The structures and properties of the monomers and the resulting conjugated polymers were characterized with ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, and photoluminescence and electroluminescence (EL) spectroscopy. The EL polymers possessed excellent solubility in common solvents and good thermal stability with a 5% weight loss temperature of more than 380°C. The weight‐average molecular weights and polydispersity indices of EDP‐PPV, EDMP‐PPV, and EDP‐co‐EDMP‐PPV were 1.40–2.58 × 10⁵, and 1.19–1.52, respectively. Double‐layer light‐emitting diodes with the configuration of indium tin oxide/polymer/tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline)aluminum/Al devices were fabricated, and EDP‐co‐EDMP‐PPV (1:1) showed the highest EL performance and exhibited a maximum luminance of 1050 cd/m² at 19.5 V. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1259–1266, 2005     

Novel 2,4‐divinyl‐3‐alkylthiophene/1,3,4‐oxadiazole alternating conjugated copolymer synthesized by the Heck coupling method: Synthesis,characterization, and electronic and optical properties

A novel alternating copolymer with 3‐alkylthiophene and oxadiazole (or pyridine) units in ordered arrangement was synthesized with vinyl as a bridge for the first time. The synthesis process included four steps: bromomethylation, preparation of the ylide monomer, the formation of 2,4‐divinyl‐3‐alkylthiophene, and Heck alternating copolymerization. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H‐NMR, and gel permeation chromatography measurements showed that all of the copolymers had the required structures. The weight‐average molecular weights of the copolymers were in the range 5500–15,000 with a relatively low polydispersity index of 1.4–1.7. The solubility of the copolymers in common solvents (e.g., methylene chloride, chloroform, tetrahydrofuran) was excellent. The optical properties and bandgap of the copolymers was compared with corresponding poly(3‐alkylthiophene) homopolymers. The photoluminescence quantum efficiency (QE) of the copolymers improved markedly in chloroform. The QEs of poly(2,4‐divinyl‐3‐hexylthiophene‐alt‐2,5‐diphenyl‐1,3,4‐ oxadiazole) and poly(2,4‐divinyl‐3‐octythiophene‐alt‐2,5‐diphenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole) were 43.2 and 34.2%, respectively, which were about 20 and 21 times higher than those of the homopolymers, respectively. The ionization potential of the copolymers between 5.53 and 6.13 eV was appropriated to poly(3‐alkylthiophene)s. The high electron affinity of the copolymers (2.71–2.95 eV) made the electrons inject from the cathode more easily. With excellent solubility, low bandgap energy, high QE, and both electron‐transporting and hole‐transporting abilities, the proposed copolymers might be excellent polymeric materials for applications in polymer light‐emitting diodes, light‐emitting electrochemical cells, and polymer solar cells. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Synthesis,structural and spectral properties of an ionic polyacetylene: Poly[N‐(5‐nitro‐2‐furanmethylene)‐2‐ethynylpyridinium bromide]

A new ionic polyacetylene was prepared by the activation polymerization of 2‐ethynylpyridine with 2‐(bromomethyl)‐5‐nitrofuran in high yield without any additional initiator or catalyst. This polymerization proceeded well in a homogeneous manner to give a high yield of the polymer (92%). The activated acetylenic triple bond of N‐(5‐nitro‐2‐furanmethylene)‐2‐ethynylpyridinium bromide, formed in the first quaternerization process, was found to be susceptible to linear polymerization. This polymer was completely soluble in such polar organic solvents as dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, and N,N‐dimethylacetamide. The inherent viscosities of the resulting polymers were in the range 0.12–0.19 dL/g, and X‐ray diffraction analysis data indicated that this polymer was mostly amorphous. The polymer structure was characterized by various instrumental methods to have a polyacetylene backbone structure with the designed substituent. The photoluminescence peak was observed at 593 nm; this corresponded to a photon energy of 2.09 eV. The polymer exhibited irreversible electrochemical behaviors between the doping and undoping peaks. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis and characterization of novel two‐component conjugated polythiophenes with 3‐octyl and 3‐isooctylthiophene side chains

With copolymerization functionalization, a novel solution‐processable polymer, poly{(3‐octylthiophene)‐co‐[3‐(2‐ethyl‐1‐hexyl)thiophene]} (P3OTIOT), combining the electrochemical properties of poly(3‐octylthiophene) (P3OT) and poly[3‐(2‐ethyl‐1‐hexyl)thiophene] (P3IOT) was synthesized by the FeCl₃‐oxidative approach. The characterization of the polymers included Fourier transform infrared, ¹H‐NMR, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL). P3OTIOT had excellent solubility in common organic solvents. Investigations of the optical properties showed that the optical band‐gap energy of P3OTIOT was similar to that of P3OT (2.43 eV) at 2.45 eV and 6% lower than that of P3IOT in CHCl₃ solutions. The bandwidth of the P3OTIOT absorption approached that of P3OT, ranging from 370 to 570 nm, and the emission maximum of P3OTIOT was only 50 nm blueshifted with respect to that of P3OT. However, the PL intensity of P3OTIOT was 7 times higher than that of P3OT. TGA studies showed that P3OTIOT had very good thermal stability, losing 5% of its weight on heating to 300°C. It is suggested that P3OTIOT has low band‐gap energy, a high PL quantum yield, and processability. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1169–1175, 2007     

New electroluminescent carbazole-containing conjugated polymer: Synthesis,photophysics, and electroluminescence

A new electroluminescent polymer, poly{9-(2-ethylhexyl)carbazole-2,7-diethynylene-alt-tris[2,5-bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene]} (PCzE-PPV), is synthesized, and its photophysical and electrochemical properties and electroluminescence (EL) are studied. In solution, an intense photoluminescence (PL) emission with a maximum at about 520 nm is observed. PL decay dynamics in solution are best described by a monoexponential function with a lifetime of 0.76 ns. Thin films exhibit an intense PL emission with a slightly red-shifted maximum at 532 nm compared to that in the solution spectra. The polymer oxidizes and reduces quasi-reversibly. The ionization potential (HOMO level) of 5.3 eV and the electron affinity (LUMO level) of 2.80 eV are evaluated from cyclovoltammetric measurements. The electrochemical bandgap value (2.45 eV) is in good agreement with the optical bandgap value. Using new polymer, light-emitting devices (LEDs) with a luminance higher than 3000 cd m⁻² and low onset voltages at about 3 V are fabricated. The shape of EL spectra of the LEDs is similar to that of PL spectra of the thin films.     

New anthracene‐containing phenylene‐ or thienylene‐vinylene copolymers: Synthesis,characterization, photophysics,and photovoltaics

Four new conjugated alternating vinylene‐copolymers, PAP6 , PAT , PA , and TAT , incorporating anthracene rings along the backbone were synthesized by Heck coupling. They were very soluble in common organic solvents and absorbed at the range of 300–500 nm with optical band gaps of 2.38–2.47 eV. They behaved in solution as green emitters, with maximum photoluminescence at 455–518 nm. Finally, these soluble copolymers were used as donor material to realize bulk heterojunction solar cell with (6,6)‐C₆₁‐butyric acid methyl ester as the acceptor. More efficient photovoltaic cells were obtained from the copolymer that carried hexyloxy than dodecyloxy side groups. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Optical properties of MEH‐PPV conjugated polymer covered by silica nanoshells

Poly [2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH‐PPV) covered by nanostructured silica shells were synthesized via sol–gel process and investigated after freeze‐drying and heat‐drying in vacuum. The freeze‐dried sample consists of a light pink powder while the heat‐dried sample presents a redder coarse‐grained material. The freeze‐dried sample was analyzed using small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). Both samples were analyzed using photoluminescence (PL) and Raman spectroscopy at room temperature. The PL spectra presented relatively large red shifts compared with that of the MEH‐PPV in tetrahydrofuran solution, which was taken as a reference sample. The energy shifts observed in the PL and Raman spectra strongly support an explanation based on denser packing conditions inside the nanostructured silica shells, which can effectively lead the polymer molecules to a higher interchain interaction via aggregate sites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5620–5626, 2006