Interface and ion-induced optoelectronic effects in thin films of poly( p-phenylene)s functionalised with ion-transporting side chains

• Published in: Thin solid films Vol. 433; no. 1; pp. 287 - 291
• Main Authors: Wenzl, F.P., Mauthner, G., Collon, M., List, E.J.W., Suess, C., Haase, A., Jakopic, G., Somitsch, D., Knoll, P., Bouguettaya, M., Reynolds, J.R., Leising, G.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 02.06.2003; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical sensor; Conjugated polymer; Electrical, magnetic and optical properties; Exact sciences and technology; Interface; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Properties and characterization; Raman spectroscopy; Conjugated polymer; Chemical sensor; Raman spectroscopy; Interface; Phenylene derivative copolymer; Photoluminescence; Polymer solid electrolyte; Experimental study; Thin film; Conjugated copolymer; Optical properties; Size effect; Aromatic copolymer; Alternating copolymer; Lithium compound; Phenylene copolymer; Optical absorption
• ISSN: 0040-6090; 1879-2731
• DOI: 10.1016/S0040-6090(03)00354-7

We report on investigations of thin films of homopolymers and copolymers consisting of a conjugated poly( p-phenylene) (PPP) backbone and oligo(ethylene oxide) (OEO) side chains of varying chain length in order to supply a conjugated backbone with an ion-transporting functionality. The optical properties of these polymeric mixed ionic–electronic conductors (PMIECs) reveal a response upon complexation of the OEO side chains with an alkali metal salt (lithium triflate). In addition, the rather polar nature of the OEO side chains and the non-polar nature of the PPP backbone can be applied to control the polymer/substrate interfacial properties. These topics were investigated by means of UV/VIS/NIR absorption measurements, along with photoinduced absorption spectroscopy. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy complemented this work to determine the amount of ion dissociation.