Tuning the structures of polypyridinium salts as bifunctional cathode interfacial layers for all-solution-processed red quantum-dot light-emitting diodes

Self-doping cathode interfacial layers (CILs) with both favorable electron injection and transport characteristics meet the key requirement for realizing high-performance optoelectronic devices with simplified structures. Herein, four different polypyridinium salts with tunable backbones, side chains and counter-ions are elaborately designed to afford them desirable film-forming property, polarity, structural rigidity and self-doping feature. All-solution-processed red quantum dot light-emitting diodes (QLEDs) employing them as bifunctional CILs render remarkably improved device performances in contrast to the typical CIL material of poly[(9,9-bis(30-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl)-2,7-fluorene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene)] (PFN). The maximum external quantum efficiency of 2.74% achieved in this work represents one of the best values among the all-solution-processed QLEDs with individual organic CILs.     

A two-dimension medium band gap conjugated polymer based on 5,10-bis(alkylthien-2-yl)dithieno[3,2-d:3′,2′-d′]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene: Synthesis and photovoltaic application

A two-dimension medium band gap copolymer poly{5,10-bis(4,5-didecylthien-2-yl)dithieno[2,3-d:2′,3′-d′]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,7-diyl-alt-2,5-di(3-octylthien-2-yl) thiophen-5,5′-diyl}, named as PDTBDT-T-3T, was prepared by the palladium-catalyzed Stille cross coupling reaction and characterized. The resulting polymer exhibits good solubility in common organic solvents, excellent thermal stability, and extensive light absorption from 300 nm to 650 nm with an optical band gap of 1.92 eV, the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level of ?5.03 eV and the hole mobility up to 1.92 × 10^?4 cm²·V^?1·s^?1. The power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 2.02%–3.19% have been achieved in the traditional PVCs for the copolymer. It should be noted that the PCEs of 4.2% for the inverted PVCs from the copolymer with PFN (poly[(9,9-bis(3′-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl)-2,7-fluorene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctyl- fluorene)]) as cathode modifying interlayer, were similar with the PCEs of 4.39% for the inverted PVCs from P3HT:PC₇₁BM at the same condition. These results indicated that the copolymer could be used as potential candidate for P3HT.     

Enhanced performance of field-effect transistors based on C<Subscript>60</Subscript> single crystals with conjugated polyelectrolyte

Contact resistance at the interface between metal electrodes and semiconductors can significantly limit the performance of organic field-effect transistors, leading to a distinct voltage drop at the interface. Here, we demonstrate enhanced performance of n-channel field-effect transistors based on solution-grown C₆₀ single-crystalline ribbons by introducing an interlayer of a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) composed of poly[(9,9-bis(3′-((N,N-dimethyl)-N-ethylammonium)-propyl)-2,7-fluorene)-alt-2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene)] dibromide (PFN⁺Br^?). The PFN⁺Br^? interlayer greatly improves the charge injection. Consequently, the electron mobility is promoted up to 5.60 cm² V^?1 s^?1 and the threshold voltage decreased dramatically with the minimum of 4.90 V.     

Syntheses of Conjugated Polymers for Photonics

Summary: By the Suzuki coupling reaction of 9,9-dioctyl-2,7-bis(1,3,2-dioxaborinan-2-yl)fluorene ( I ) and 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl 2,5-dibromobenzenesulfonate ( II ) the alternating poly{[9,9-dioctylfluoren-2,7-diyl]-alt-[2-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenoxysulfonyl)-1,4-phenylene]} ( III ) was synthesized. Alkaline hydrolysis of III gave a conjugated polyelectrolyte carrying sulfonic acid groups ( IV ). Monomers 2,5-dibromo-3-[2-(pyren-1-yl)vinyl]thiophene and 2,5-dibromo-3-[2-(quinolin-4-yl)vinyl)thiophene were prepared and copolymerized with I to afford poly{[9,9-dioctylfluoren-2,7-diyl]-alt-[3-(2-(pyren-1-yl)vinyl)thiophen-2,5-diyl]} ( V ) and poly{[9,9-dioctylfluoren-2,7-diyl]-alt-[3-(2-(quinolin-4-yl)-vinyl)thiophen-2,5-diyl] ( VI ), respectively. Conjugated backbone of V contains the conjugated pyrene unit in the side chain. Similarly the side chain of VI contains the conjugated quinoline structure unit which can be for instance protonated. By the Suzuki polycondensation reaction of I and of the prepared methyl 3-(2,7-dibromocarbazole-9-yl)propionate ( VII ) the new poly{[9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-diyl]-alt-[9-(2-methoxycarbonylethyl)carbazole-2,7-diyl]} ( VIII ) was synthesized and characterized.     

含苯并硒二唑聚咔唑/芴类共轭聚电解质及其前驱体的合成与性能研究

采用Suzuki偶合反应合成了一系列新型的咔唑、芴和2,1,3-苯并硒二唑的共聚物——聚[3,6-(N-(2-乙基己基))咔唑-2,1,3-苯并硒二唑-9,9-双(N,N-二甲基胺丙基)芴](PCzN-BSeD)及其相应的聚电解质衍生物——聚[3,6-(N-(2-乙基己基))咔唑-2,1,3-苯并硒二唑-9,9-(双(3′-(N,N-二甲基)-N-乙基铵)丙基)芴]二溴(PCzNBr-BSeD).在聚咔唑和芴中引入不同比例的2,1,3-苯并硒二唑(BSeD)单元,引起了由咔唑和芴链段向窄带隙苯并硒二唑(BSeD)单元有效的能量转移.通过对聚合物电致发光性能的研究,发现用聚(3,4-亚乙基二氧基噻吩)(PEDOT)或聚(3,4-亚乙基二氧基噻吩)/聚乙烯咔唑(PEDOT/PVK)作为空穴传输层时,器件的性能相差不大,表明咔唑的引入较明显的改善了聚合物的空穴注入性能.而且几乎所有的聚合物用高功函数铝作阴极的器件和用钡/铝作阴极的器件具有相近的发光性能,表明这类聚合物具有良好的电子注入性能.     

Two‐photon excitation and optical limiting in polyfluorene derivatives

Fluorene‐based polymers are widely known materials due to a combination of features such as photoluminescence and electroluminescence, oxidative stability, and film‐forming ability. However, studies reporting nonlinear optical properties in this class of conjugated polymer are scarce. Here, we report a new class of polyfluorene derivatives poly(9,9′‐n‐dihexyl‐2,7‐fluorenedilvinylene‐alt‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene), poly(9,9′‐n‐dihexyl‐2,7‐fluorenedilvinylene‐alt‐2,5‐thiophene), and poly[(9,9‐di‐hexylfluorenediylvinylene‐alt‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene)‐co‐((9,9′‐(3‐t‐butylpropanoate) fluorene‐1,4‐phenylene)] displaying high two‐photon absorption (2PA) in the spectral range from a 490 to 1100 nm. The 2PA cross‐section peak values for these materials are as high as 3000 Göppert Mayer (1 GM = 1 × 10^?50 cm⁴ s/photon), which is related to the high degree of conjugation along the polymer backbone. The polymers that were used in this study presented a strong two‐photon luminescence and also displayed optical limiting behavior, which, in combination with their well‐established properties, make them highly suitable for nonlinear optical devices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 50: 148–153, 2012     

Theoretical study on the structure and property relationship of the cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes

A theoretical study using density functional theory was performed to understand the structure/property relationship of the cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes, poly[9,9-bis-(6′-N,N,N-trimethylammonium) hexyl] fluorene-alt-4,7-(2,1,3-benzothiadiazole)] (PFBT-X, where X = Br). The torsion angle between the fluorene and benzothiadiazole units in the PFBT monomer was found to substantially affect the structural and electronic properties of the cationic PFBT monomer. The changes of geometrical parameter, HOMO and LUMO energy levels, and band gap, as well as the absorption maximum are discussed in terms of the torsion in the PFBT monomer structure. For comparison, its neutral analogue, the monomer of poly(9,9-di-n-octylfluorene-alt-benzothiadiazole) (F8BT) was also studied. The length of conjugation backbone was also examined.     

Arylamino‐functionalized fluorene‐ and carbazole‐based copolymers: Color‐tuning their CdTe nanocrystal composites from red to white

Four alternating arylamino‐functionalized copolymers were synthesized in a Suzuki copolymerization applying 4, 4′‐(2,7‐dibromo‐9H‐fluorene‐9,9‐diyl)dianiline, 4,4′‐(2,7‐dibromo‐9H‐fluorene‐9,9‐diyl)bis(N,N‐diphenylaniline), 4‐(3,6‐dibromo‐9H‐ carbazol‐9‐yl)aniline and 4‐(3,6‐dibromo‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)‐N,N‐diphenylaniline in combination with 2,2′‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)bis(1,3,2‐dioxaborinane). The resulting novel alternating copolymers were fully characterized. The copolymers revealed blue light emission and wide optical bandgaps of at least 2.93 eV for the fluorene‐based and 3.07 eV for the carbazole‐based polymers. The amino‐functions allow to tie semiconducting CdTe nanocrystals (NCs) and to synthesize a series of composites with CdTe NCs. Moreover, tuning the emission color over a wide range by tying these CdTe NCs results in a facile preparation of organic–inorganic semiconductor composites with emission colors “à la carte.” © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Synthesis and characterization of a poly[2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-2,7-fluorene/β-CD)] main chain polyrotaxane

Poly[2,7-(9,9-dioctylfluorene-alt-2,7-fluorene/β-CD)] main chain polyrotaxane was synthesized through organometallic Suzuki coupling by reacting β-cyclodextrin/2,7-dibromofluorene inclusion complex with 9,9-dioctylfluorene-2,7-bis(trimethyleneborate). The IR, NMR and elemental analysis data support the presence of β-cyclodextrin in the copolymer structure. No glass transition or melting phenomena were detected in DSC curves of the polyrotaxane on the heating run in the 50-250 ° range. As compared with the reference copolymer obtained in the absence of β-cyclodextrin, the rotaxane copolymer is more hygroscopic and soluble in polar/non-polar solvent mixtures. The expected modification of the optical properties of the fluorene copolymer with rotaxane architecture in the main chain was proved by fluorescence and UV-vis spectroscopy and consists in a blue-shifted emission.     

Relationship between the liquid crystallinity and field‐effect‐transistor behavior of fluorene–thiophene‐based conjugated copolymers

A series of fluorene–thiophene‐based semiconducting materials, poly(9,9′‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐α,α′‐bisthieno[3,2‐b]thiophene) (F8TT2), poly(9,9′‐di(3,6‐dioxaheptyl)fluorene‐alt‐thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene) (BDOHF8TT), poly(9,9′‐di(3,6‐dioxaheptyl)fluorene‐alt‐bithiophene) (BDOHF8T2), and poly(9,9′‐dioctylfluorene‐co‐bithiophene‐co‐[4‐(2‐ethylhexyloxyl)phenyl]diphenylamine) (F8T2TPA), was synthesized through a palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki coupling reaction. F8TT2, BDOHF8TT, BDOHF8T2, and F8T2TPA films exhibited photoluminescence maxima at 523, 550, 522, and 559 nm, respectively. Solution‐processed field‐effect transistors (FETs) fabricated with all the copolymers except F8T2TPA showed p‐type organic FET characteristics. Studies of the differential scanning calorimetry scans and FETs of the polymers revealed that more crystalline polymers gave better FET device performance. The greater planarity and rigidity of thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene in comparison with bithiophene resulted in higher crystallinity of the polymer backbone, which led to improved FET performance. On the other hand, the random incorporation of the triphenylamine moiety into F8T2TPA caused the polymer chains to lose crystallinity, resulting in an absence of FET characteristics. With this study, we could assess the liquid‐crystallinity dependence of the field‐effect carrier mobility on organic FETs based on liquid‐crystalline copolymers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4709–4721, 2006     

Cationic,water‐soluble,fluorene‐containing poly(arylene ethynylene)s: Effects of water solubility on aggregation,photoluminescence efficiency,and amplified fluorescence quenching in aqueous solutions

Three novel fluorene‐containing poly(arylene ethynylene)s with amino‐functionalized side groups were synthesized through the Sonogashira reaction. They were poly{9,9‐bis[6′‐(N,N‐diethylamino)hexyl]‐2,7‐fluorenylene ethynylene}‐alt‐co‐{2,5‐bis[3′‐(N,N‐diethylamino)‐1′‐oxapropyl]‐1,4‐phenylene} ( P1 ), poly{9,9‐bis[6′‐(N,N‐diethylamino)hexyl]‐2,7‐fluorenylene ethynylene} ( P2 ), and poly({9,9‐bis[6′‐(N,N‐diethylamino)hexyl]‐2,7‐fluorenylene ethynylene}‐alt‐co‐(1,4‐phenylene)) ( P3 ). Through the postquaternization treatment of P1 – P3 with methyl iodide, we obtained their cationic water‐soluble conjugated polyelectrolytes (WSCPs): P1′ – P3′ . The water solubility was gradually improved from P3′ to P1′ with increasing contents of hydrophilic side chains. After examining the ultraviolet–visible absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, and dynamic light scattering data, we propose that with the reduction of the water solubility from P1′ to P3′ , they exhibited a gradually increased degree of aggregation in H₂O. The PL quantum yields of P1′ – P3′ in H₂O displayed a decreasing tendency consistent with the increased degree of aggregation, suggesting that the pronounced degree of aggregation was an important reason for the low PL quantum yields of WSCPs in H₂O. Two structurally analogous water‐soluble trimers of P2′ and P3′ , model compounds 2,7‐bis(9″,9″‐bis{6‴‐[(N,N‐diethyl)‐N‐methylammonium] hexyl}‐2″‐fluorenylethynyl)‐9,9‐bis{6′‐[(N,N‐diethyl)‐N‐methylammonium]hexyl}fluorene hexaiodide and 1,4‐bis(9′,9′‐bis{6″‐[(N,N‐diethyl)‐N‐methylammonium]hexyl}‐2′‐fluorenylethynyl)benzene tetraiodide, were synthesized. The amplified fluorescence quenching of these WSCPs by Fe(CN)₆⁴⁻ in H₂O was studied by comparison with a corresponding analogous trimer. The effects of aggregation on the fluorescence quenching may be two‐edged in these cases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5778–5794, 2006     

Benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-based conjugated polyelectrolyte for the cathode modification of inverted polymer solar cells

A conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) named PBNBr, is prepared by post-quaternizing of poly{4,8-bis(octyloxy)benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl-alt-9,9-bis(3′-((N,N-dimethylamino)propyl)fluorene-2,7-diyl} (PBN) with bromoethane. The chemical strucutes, electrooptical properties of the PBNBr is fully characterized. As compared with the PBN, the PBNBr exhibit much better methanol solution processibility, and more effectively tuning ability for the work function (W_f) of ITO (W_F bare ITO, ?4.8 eV, W_F of ITO with PBN interlayer, ?4.1 eV, W_F of ITO with PBNBr interlayer ?3.9 eV). The open circuit voltages (V_OC) and power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of polymer solar cells from the blend film of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenylC₆₁-butyric acid methyl ester (PC₆₁BM) with PBN and/or PBNBr modified ITO as cathode are respectively increased about 27% and 120% in contrast to those for the control devices with bare ITO as cathode. And PCEs of 4.21% and 4.53% are achieved in the PSCs with PBN and/or PBNBr modified ITO as cathode.     

Selective dispersion of single-walled carbon nanotubes with specific chiral indices by poly(N-decyl-2,7-carbazole)

Physico-chemical methods to sort single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by chiral index are presently lacking but are required for in-depth experimental analysis and also for potential future applications of specific species. Here we report the unexpected selectivity of poly(N-decyl-2,7-carbazole) to almost exclusively disperse semiconducting SWNTs with differences of their chiral indices (n - m) ≥ 2 in toluene. The observed selectivity complements perfectly the dispersing features of the fluorene analogue poly(9,9-dialkyl-2,7-fluorene), which disperses semiconducting SWNTs with (n - m) ≤ 2 in toluene. The dispersed samples are further purified by density gradient centrifugation and analyzed by photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy. All-atom molecular modeling with decamer model compounds of the polymers and (10,2) and (7,6) SWNTs suggests differences in the π-π stacking interaction as origin of the selectivity. We observe energetically favored complexes between the (10,2) SWNT and the carbazole decamer and between the (7,6) SWNT and the fluorene decamer, respectively. These findings demonstrate that subtle structural changes of polymers lead to selective solvation of different families of carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, chemical screening of closely related polymers may pave the way toward simple, low-cost, and index-specific isolation of SWNTs.     

Synthesis and characterization of diphenylaminodiphenyl stryl based alternating copolymers

Diphenylaminobiphenylated stryl based alternating copolymers with phenyl or fluorene, which were expected to have a terphenylene vinylene backbone containing an (N,N‐diphenylamino)biphenyl pendant and a phenyl/fluorene/phenylene vinylene backbone containing an (N,N‐diphenylamino)biphenyl pendant, were synthesized by a Suzuki coupling reaction. The obtained copolymers were confirmed with various types of spectroscopy. The alternating copolymers showed good hole‐injection properties because of their low oxidation potential and good solubility and high thermal stability with a high glass‐transition temperature. The alternating copolymers showed blue emissions because of the adjusted conjugation lengths; the maximum wavelength was 460 nm for poly{4,4′‐biphenylene‐α‐[4″‐(N,N′‐diphenylamino)diphenyl]vinylene‐alt‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐2‐methoxybenzene} and 487 nm for poly{4,4′‐biphenylene‐α‐[4″‐(N,N′‐diphenylamino)diphenyl] vinylene‐alt‐9,9‐dihexylfluorene}. The maximum brightness of indium tin oxide/poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene)/polymer/LiF/Al devices with poly{4,4′‐biphenylene‐α‐[4″‐(N,N′‐diphenylamino)diphenyl]vinylene‐alt‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐2‐methoxybenzene} or poly{4,4′‐biphenylene‐α‐[4″‐(N,N′‐diphenylamino)diphenyl]vinylene‐alt‐9,9‐dihexylfluorene} as the emitting layer was 250 or 1000 cd/m², respectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 341–347, 2007     

Incorporation of fluorene‐based emitting polymers into silica

Novel polyfluorene copolymers with pendant hydroxyl groups, poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)‐2,7‐(9,9‐bis(6‐hydroxyhexyl)fluorene)‐co‐2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)‐1,4‐phenylene] (PFP‐OH) and poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)‐2,7‐(9,9‐bis(6‐hydroxyhexyl)fluorene)‐co‐2,7‐(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)‐4,7‐(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)] (PFBT‐OH) were prepared. Acid‐catalyzed polycondensations of tetraethoxysilane were carried out in the presence of these polymers to obtain homogeneous hybrids. Photoluminescence spectra of these hybrids suggested the polymers were immobilized in silica matrix retaining their π‐conjugated structures. Further, hybrids of coat film were prepared utilizing perhydropolysilazane as a silica precursor. Their optical properties were examined. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

Syntheses and Characterization of 4-Octyloxybenzyl Substituted Diketopyrrolopyrrole-based Red Emitting Copolymers with Low Turn-on Voltage

Two novel diketopyrrolopyrrole-based alternating copolymers, poly(2,7-(9,9-diethyl)-fluorenylvinylene-alt-2,5-bis(4′-octyloxyphe- nylmethyl)-3,6-bis(4-vinylenephenyl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione) (P1) and poly(1,4-(2,5-dioctyl- oxy)-phenylenevinylene-alt-2,5-bis(4′-octyloxyphenylmethyl)-3,6-bis(4-vinylenephenyl)pyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione) (P2) were synthesized through Wittig polycondensation in good yields. P1 and P2 were characterized by NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL). EL devices with ITO/PEDOT/polymer/CsF/Al exhibited red-emitting light with the maximum EL wavelength at 620 nm and 682 nm. The results show that PL quantum yield of the polymers in thin film can be improved through N-alkylation of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) with bulky substituent. EL performance of P2 was better than P1, which might be due to 1,4-dioctyloxybenzene of P2 enhancing the hole-transporting to make more charge balance. EL devices of P1 and P2 possessed low turn on voltage (2.4 V and 2.1 V, respectively), which was an advantage for PLED.     

Steady-state and time-resolved studies of 2,7-carbazole-based conjugated polymers in solution and as thin films: determination of their solid state fluorescence quantum efficiencies

The UV–Vis absorption spectra and the luminescence properties of poly(N-octyl-2,7-carbazole) (POC) and poly(N-octyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-9,9-dioctyl-2,7-fluorene) PCF have been investigated in solution and in the solid state (thin films). No aggregate and/or excimer formation has been detected in these polymeric systems. From time-resolved fluorescence measurements in solution and in the solid state, the fluorescence efficiencies of the thin films have been estimated. It is found that the fluorescence efficiencies of these polycarbazoles in the solid state are quenched, as compared to those measured in fluid solutions, but remain relatively high (φ_F0.40), making them promising materials for electroluminescent devices.     

Simple synthesis,photophysics, and electroluminescent properties of poly[2,7‐bis(4‐tert‐butylstyryl)fluorene‐9, 9‐diyl‐alt‐alkane‐α,ω‐diyl]

A simple synthetic route was used for the synthesis of a novel series of alternating copolymers based on substituted 2,7‐distyrylfluorene bridged through alkylene chains. First, 2,7‐dibromofluorene was reacted with 2 equiv of butyllithium, and this was followed by a treatment with 1 equiv of α,ω‐dibromoalkane to yield the intermediate, poly(2,7‐dibromofluorene‐9,9‐diyl‐alt‐alkane‐α,ω‐diyl). ( 1 ) Heck coupling of the latter with 1‐tert‐butyl‐4‐vinylbenzene afforded the target, poly[2,7‐bis(4‐tert‐butylstyryl)fluorene‐9,9‐diyl‐alt‐alkane‐α,ω‐diyl] ( 2 ). The two versions of 2 ( 2a and 2b which have hexane and decane, respectively, as alkane groups) were readily soluble in common organic solvents. Their glass‐transition temperature was relatively low (52 and 87 °C). An intense blue photoluminescence emission with maxima at about 408 and 409 nm was observed in tetrahydrofuran solutions, whereas thin films exhibited an orange emission with maxima at 569 and 588 nm. Very large redshifts of the photoluminescence maxima and Stokes shifts in thin films indicated strong aggregation in the solid state. Both polymers oxidized and reduced irreversibly. Single‐layer light‐emitting diodes with hole‐injecting indium tin oxide and electron‐injecting aluminum electrodes were fabricated. They emitted orange light with external electroluminescence efficiencies of 0.52 and 0.36% photon/electron, as determined in light‐emitting diodes made of 2a and 2b , with alkylenes of (CH₂)₆ and (CH₂)₁₀, respectively. An increase in the external electroluminescence efficiency up to 1.5% was reached in light‐emitting diodes made of polymer blends consisting of 2a and poly(9,9‐dihexadecylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl), which emitted blue‐white light. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 809–821, 2007.     

Optical and electronic properties of fluorene‐based copolymers and their sensory applications

A series of novel, fluorene‐based conjugated copolymers, poly[(9,9‐bis{propenyl}‐9H‐fluorene)‐co‐(9,9‐dihexyl‐9H‐fluorene)] ( P1 ), poly[(9,9‐bis{carboxymethylsulfonyl‐propyl}fluorenyl‐2,7‐diyl)‐co‐(9,9‐dihexyl‐9H‐fluorene)] ( P2 ) and poly[(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)‐co‐alt‐(9,9‐bis‐(6‐azidohexyl)fluorene)] ( P3 ), are synthesized by Suzuki coupling reactions and their electrochemical properties, in the form of films, are investigated using cyclic voltammetry. The results reveal that the polymer films exhibit electrochromic properties with a pseudo‐reversible redox behavior; transparent in the neutral state and dark violet in the oxidized state. Among the three polymers, P2 possesses the shortest response time and the highest coloration efficiency value. These polymers emit blue light with a band gap value of around 2.9 eV and have high fluorescent quantum yields. Their metal ion sensory abilities are also investigated by titrating them with a number of different transition metal ions; all of these polymers exhibit a higher selectivity toward Fe³⁺ ions than the other ions tested with Stern–Volmer constants of 4.41 × 10⁶M^?1, 3.28 × 10⁷M^?1, 1.25 × 10⁶M^?1, and 6.56 × 10⁶M^?1 for P1 , P2 , water soluble version of P2 ( P2S ) and P3 , respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

Synthesis and characterization of novel red‐emitting alternating copolymers based on fluorene and diketopyrrolopyrrole derivatives

Two novel alternating copolymers, poly{9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl‐alt‐2,5‐dioctyl‐3,6‐bis(4‐phenyl)pyrrolo[3,4‐c] pyrrole‐1,4‐dione} ( P1 ) and poly{9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl‐alt‐2,5‐dioctyl‐3,6‐bis(3‐phenyl)pyrrolo[3,4‐c] pyrrole‐1,4‐dione} ( P2 ), derived from 9,9‐dihexylfluorene and diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP), have been successfully synthesized through palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki polycondensation in good yields. P1 and P2 possess moderate molecular weights and polydispersities, well‐defined structures, and excellent thermal properties with an onset decomposition temperature around 400 °C. Both P1 and P2 in thin films exhibit red photoluminescence from DPP species exclusively, with peaks at 609 and 616 nm, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry studies show that P1 and P2 have low‐lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy levels at ?3.65 eV and reversible reduction processes, so these polymers may constitute another kind of red‐emitting polymer with high electron affinity. Preliminary electroluminescent results of devices with an indium tin oxide/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)/polymer/Ba/Al configuration reveal that P1 may be a promising candidate for red emitters with a maximum brightness of 153 cd/m² and a maximum external quantum efficiency of 0.13%, whereas the performance of P2 is relatively poor. These differences might originate from different conjugation lengths in their main chain. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2395–2405, 2006