Electrosyntheses of high‐quality freestanding poly(fluorene‐co‐3‐methylthiophene) films with tunable fluorescence properties

The copolymerization of 3‐methylthiophene (MeT) and fluorene (FE) was successfully achieved in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate by the direct anodic oxidation of the monomer mixtures on a platinum electrode. The optimal feed ratio together with the best suitable potential for their copolymerization was determined. The as‐formed copolymer films, which were copolymerized with a feed ratio of FE/MeT = 2:1 at a constant potential of 1.3 V (vs a saturated calomel electrode), had the advantages of both poly(3‐methylthiophene) and polyfluorene, such as good electrochemical behavior, high conductivity, excellent thermal stability, and high film quality. The structure of the copolymer was investigated with ultraviolet–visible, infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Fluorescence spectroscopy studies revealed that the dedoped copolymer film in the solid state was a good blue‐light emitter with a strong emission at 435 nm and a shoulder at 459 nm. The emitting properties of the copolymer could be tuned by parameters during the electrochemical polymerization, such as the applied potential and monomer feed ratio. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4904–4915, 2006     

Low‐potential facile electrosynthesis of free‐standing poly(1H‐benzo[g]indole) film as a yellow‐light‐emitter

High‐quality free‐standing poly(1H‐benzo[g]indole) (PBIn) films were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of 1H‐benzo[g]indole (BIn) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate. PBIn films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior and better thermal stability with a conductivity of 0.29 S cm^?1. PBIn films with low band gap value (1.59 eV) were insoluble in acetone and tetrahydrofuran. The structure and morphology of the polymer were studied by UV–vis, FTIR, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results of quantum chemistry calculations and the spectroscopies of dedoped PBIn indicate that the polymerization of BIn mainly occurs via C₍₂₎ and C₍₅₎ position. The polymer film was compact with regular nanoparticles on the surface. Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that solid‐state PBIn film is a good yellow‐light‐emitter. Thermal stability of PBIn film is higher than poly(indole‐6‐carboxylic acid), poly(5‐formylindole), and polyindole. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the electrosynthesis of free‐standing polyindole derivatives as yellow‐light‐emitter. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015 , 53, 2730–2738     

Low potential electrosyntheses of free‐standing poly(dibenzofuran) films in mixed electrolytes of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate and trifluoroacetic acid

Free‐standing poly(dibenzofuran) (PDBF) films were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of dibenzofuran in mixed electrolytes of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing certain amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The oxidation potential of dibenzofuran in pure BFEE was measured to be only 1.31 V versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE). This value was much lower than that determined in acetonitrile + 0.1 mol L^?1 TBATFB (2.14 V vs. SCE). The addition of TFA to BFEE can further decrease the oxidation potential of the monomer to 1.07 V versus SCE in the mixed electrolyte of BFEE + 30% TFA. PDBF films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior, good electrochromic properties, and good thermal stability with conductivity of 10⁰ S cm^?1. FTIR and ¹H NMR spectra showed that the polymer was grown mainly via the coupling of the monomer at C₍₃₎ C₍₁₀₎ or C₍₄₎ C₍₉₎ positions (Scheme 1). As‐formed PDBF films were partly soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF) or chloroform. Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that either soluble or PDBF in solid state was a good blue light PDBF emitter. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that free‐standing PDBF films can be electrodeposited. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1125–1135, 2006     

Electrosyntheses of high‐quality poly(5‐nitroindole) films in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate containing additional diethyl ether

High‐quality poly(5‐nitroindole) (PNP) films were synthesized electrochemically by the direct anodic oxidation of 5‐nitroindole in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing additional 10% diethyl ether (EE) (by volume). The addition of EE to BFEE could improve the solubility of the monomer. The oxidation potential onset of 5‐nitroindole in this medium was measured to be only 1.04 V versus a saturated calomel electrode (SCE), which was much lower than that determined in acetonitrile and 0.1 mol L^?1 tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (1.53 V vs SCE). PNP films obtained from this medium showed good electrochemical behavior and good thermal stability with a conductivity of 10^?2 S cm^?1; this indicated that BFEE containing 10% EE was a suitable medium for the electrosyntheses of PNP films. Structural studies showed that the polymerization of the 5‐nitroindole ring occurred at the 2,3‐position. As‐formed PNP films were thoroughly soluble in the strong polar organic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide and partly soluble in tetrahydrofuran or acetone. Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that PNP was a good green‐light emitter, with excitation and emission wavelengths of 420 and 550 nm, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that nitro‐group‐substituted high‐quality conducting polymer films have been electrodeposited. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 3986–3997, 2005     

Low potential electrochemical polymerization of diphenyl ether and characterization of its polymers

High‐quality poly(diphenyl ether) (PDPE) films with electrical conductivity of 4.4 × 10^?1 S cm^?1 were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of diphenyl ether (DPE) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing 5% concentrated sulfuric acid (SA) (by volume). The oxidation potential onset of DPE in pure BFEE was measured to be only 1.37 V versus a saturated calomel electrode (SCE), which was much lower than that determined in acetonitrile + 0.1 mol L^?1 tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate (1.98 V vs. SCE). The addition of SA to BFEE can further decrease the oxidation potential onset of the monomer to 1.18 V versus SCE in the mixed electrolyte of BFEE + 5% SA. PDPE films obtained from this medium showed good redox activity and stability even in concentrated SA. Dedoped PDPE films were partly soluble in the strong polar organic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide. Fluorescent spectral studies indicated that soluble PDPE was a good blue‐light emitter with a quantum yield of 0.30. Infrared spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations indicated that the electropolymerization of DPE occurred mainly at C₄ and C_4′. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 5932–5941, 2007     

9,9-二辛基芴的电化学聚合

在三氟化硼乙醚(BFEE)中, 9,9-二辛基芴可以直接阳极氧化制备高质量聚(9,9-二辛基芴)膜, 其电导率为1×10^－2 S/cm. 9,9-二辛基芴在BFEE中的起始氧化电位为1.25 V vs. SCE, 低于单体在0.1 mol/L Bu₄NBF₄的乙腈溶液体系中的起始氧化电位(1.52 V vs. SCE). BFEE中获得的聚(9,9-二辛基芴)膜具有良好的电化学性质. 聚合物部分溶于氯仿、四氢呋喃、二甲基亚砜等极性溶剂. FTIR和¹H NMR表明聚合反应主要发生在2,7位. 荧光光谱表明聚合物是一种良好的蓝色荧光物质.     

三氟化硼乙醚溶液中聚(二苯并呋喃)的电化学合成

在三氟化硼乙醚-硫酸混合电解质溶液中,二苯并呋喃直接阳极氧化聚合可以获得高质量聚(二苯并呋喃)膜.二苯并呋喃在纯三氟化硼乙醚中的起始氧化电位为1.30 VvsSCE,远低于单体在0.1 mol.L-1Bu4NBF4乙腈溶液中的起始氧化电位(2.14 V).硫酸的加入进一步降低了二苯并呋喃的氧化电位.在三氟化硼乙醚-硫酸混合电解质溶液中,二苯并呋喃的起始氧化电位可降低至1.0 V;同时在该体系中获得的聚(二苯并呋喃)膜具有良好的电化学性质和荧光性质.     

9,9-二乙基芴在三氟化硼乙醚中的电化学聚合

在三氟化硼乙醚(BFEE)中,9,9-二乙基芴(DEF)直接阳极氧化聚合可以获得高质量聚(9,9-二乙基芴)膜(PDEF,电导率2×10-2S.cm-1).DEF在BFEE中的起始氧化电位为1.20 VvsSCE,远低于单体在0.1 mol.L-1Bu4NBF4的CH3CN溶液中的起始氧化电位(1.70 V).在BFEE中获得的PDEF膜具有良好的电化学性质.红外光谱和1H NMR结果表明聚合反应主要发生在2,7位.     

9,10-二氢化菲在三氟化硼乙醚-浓硫酸混酸中的电化学聚合

在三氟化硼乙醚(BFEE)-浓硫酸混合电解质体系中直接氧化9,10-二氢化菲获得了高质量聚(9,10-二氢化菲)膜, 其电导率为3.8×10－1 S/cm. 9,10-二氢化菲在BFEE＋10%浓硫酸体系中的起始氧化电位为0.93 V vs. SCE, 远低于其在乙腈＋0.1 mol/L Bu4NBF4溶液中的起始氧化电位(1.75 V vs. SCE). 在BFEE＋10%浓硫酸体系中获得的聚(9,10-二氢化菲)膜具有良好的电化学性质. 聚合物部分溶于二甲基亚砜、四氢呋喃、氯仿等极性溶剂. FT-IR和量化计算表明聚合反应主要发生在2, 7位或者3, 6位. 荧光光谱和热重分析表明聚合物是一种良好的蓝色荧光材料且具有良好的热稳定性.     

Electrosyntheses of high‐quality polyphenanthrene in the electrolyte of boron trifluoride diethyl etherate containing trifluoroacetic acid

A novel inherently conducting polymer, high‐quality polyphenanthrene (PPh) films were synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of phenanthrene (Ph) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing a certain amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). The oxidation potential of Ph in this medium was measured to be only 0.63 V versus SCE, which was greatly lower than that determined in acetonitrile + 0.1 mol L^?1 Bu₄NBF₄ (1.55 V vs. SCE). The electrolytes of BFEE containing TFA enable facile anodic oxidation of Ph monomer; however, similar oxidation using acetonitrile never produces such a polymeric material. PPh films obtained from this medium showed good redox activity and stability even in concentrated sulfuric acid. Dedoped PPh films were partly soluble in polar solvent such as CH₂Cl₂, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, and dimethyl sulfoxide. Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that PPh is a good blue‐light emitter. The structure and morphology of the polymer were studied by UV–vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The results of quantum chemistry calculations of Ph monomer and the spectroscopies of dedoped PPh indicated the polymerization mainly occurred at C₍₉₎ and C₍₁₀₎ positions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3929–3940, 2007     

Optical absorption of the β‐phase of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)

We outline a theory for the optical absorption of the β‐phase of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PFO) that is based on the Frenkel exciton model. The absorption peak at 435 nm is attributed to polymer segments having torsion angles equal to π that are weakly perturbed by the presence of random monomer junctions with torsion angles equal to 0. The broad band below 435 nm is associated with disordered segments having a broad distribution of random torsion angles. The effects of small random deviations from π in the torsion angles are discussed. The calculations support the interpretation that the β‐phase is characterized by alternating segments of highly ordered and strongly disordered regions. PFO is a widely studied fluorene‐based polymer with interesting and potentially useful photophysical properties. In this work, Frenkel exciton states in the β‐phase of PFO are studied, and a two‐region model—weak torsional disorder and strong torsional disorder—is presented. The peak in the optical absorption at 435 nm is associated with the weakly disordered regions. The broad background in the absorption is attributed to the strongly disordered regions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016 , 54, 1109–1111     

Design and synthesis of 9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluorene based electrochromic polymers

Two novel heterocycle‐fluorene‐heterocycle monomers, 2,2′‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)dithiophene (Th‐F‐Th) and 5,5′‐(9,9‐dioctyl‐9H‐fluorene‐2,7‐diyl)bis(2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxine) (EDOT‐F‐EDOT), were synthesized via Stille coupling reaction and electropolymerized to form corresponding polymers P(Th‐F‐Th) and P(EDOT‐F‐EDOT). Furthermore, the optoelectronic properties of the obtained monomers and polymers were explored using cyclic voltammetry (CV), UV–vis, and emission spectra and in situ spectroelectrochemical techniques. The band gap values of monomers calculated by DFT were 3.75 eV for EDOT‐F‐EDOT and 4.03 eV for Th‐F‐Th, while that of P(EDOT‐F‐EDOT) and P(Th‐F‐Th) were brought down to 1.70 and 2.10 eV, respectively. Both polymers exhibited excellent redox activity and electrochromic performance. P(EDOT‐F‐EDOT) exhibited a maximum optical contrast of 25.8% at 500 nm in visible region with a response time of 1.2 s. In addition, the coloration efficiency of P(EDOT‐F‐EDOT) was calculated to be 220 cm² C^?1. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016 , 54, 325–334     

Direct electrosynthesis and characterization of a new soluble polyfluorene derivative containing carboxyl group in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate

High-quality poly(fluorene-9-acetic acid) (PFAA), a new soluble polyfluorene derivative, was synthesized electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of fluorene-9-acetic acid (FAA) in boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) containing a certain amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). This electrolyte enables facile anodic oxidation of FAA monomer at lower potential (1.05 V vs. SCE). PFAA films with conductivity of 0.53 S cm⁻¹ obtained from this medium showed better redox activity and thermal stability in relation to unsoluble poly(fluorene-9-carboxylic acid). Fluorescent spectral studies indicate that PFAA film with high fluorescence quantum yields and photochemical stability is a good blue-light emitter. The structure and morphology of the polymer were studied by UV–vis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR spectra and scanning electron microscopy, respectively.     

A new donor‐acceptor type polymeric material from a thiophene derivative and its electrochromic properties

A new electrochromic polymer, poly(2,3,5,8‐tetra(thiophen‐2‐yl)quinoxaline) (PTTQ), was synthesized electrochemically and its electrochromic properties were investigated. The polymer was characterized by Cyclic Voltammetry, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, UV‐Vis‐NIR Spectroscopy, and colorimetry. Spectroelectrochemistry analysis demonstrated that the polymer can undergo both p‐ and true n‐type doping processes. The polymer, (PTTQ), has three accessible color states: an oxidized transmissive, a neutral light bluish‐green, and a reduced transmissive light gray. Switching ability of the polymer was evaluated by kinetic studies. The polymer revealed an excellent optical contrast of 98% in the NIR region. Outstanding optical contrast in the NIR region, high stability and fast switching times make this polymer an excellent candidate for NIR device applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3723–3731, 2008     

Microwave‐assisted suzuki coupling reaction for rapid synthesis of conjugated polymer–poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)s as an example

Long reaction period (dozens of hours) is often required for the synthesis of conjugated polymers by palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki polymerization reaction. This work shows that microwave can accelerate Suzuki polymerization to realize the ultra‐rapid synthesis of conjugated polymers, here poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene)s (PDHFs) as an example. The effects of reaction conditions on the polymerization have been systematically investigated, including the mode of microwave irradiation, microwave power, reaction temperature, reaction time, solvents, catalyst species, and catalyst concentrations. Compared with the conventional heating method (oil bath) for the synthesis of PDHFs (48 h, M_w = 20,000 g/mol), Suzuki polymerization under optimized microwave condition can yield PDHFs with higher molecular weight (M_w = 40,000 g/mol) in a much shorter time (14 min). The structures of obtained PDHFs samples are fully characterized spectroscopically, demonstrating well‐defined PDHFs have been prepared through microwave‐assisted (MA) Suzuki polymerization reaction. In addition, the mechanism of MA Suzuki polymerization is proposed preliminarily. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

Preparation and characterization of polyfuran/poly(2‐fluoroaniline) conducting composites

This article deals with the chemical synthesis and characterization of poly(2‐fluoroaniline) (P2FAn) and polyfuran (PFu) homopolymers and PFu/P2FAn and P2FAn/PFu composites. P2FAn and PFu homopolymers were synthesized using ammonium persulfate and antimony (III) chloride as catalyst, respectively. These homopolymers and composites were studied in the doped state using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, four‐probe conductivity technique, and Gouy Scale measurements. PFu/P2FAn and P2FAn/PFu composites were found to possess different thermal, conductivity, electronic, and morphological properties from each other when synthesis order of guest and host polymers was varied. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 3359–3367, 2004     

Synthesis and optical and electrochemical properties of copolymers containing 9,9‐dihexylfluorene and 9‐dimethylaminopropylcarbazole chromophores

Soluble and well‐defined 9,9‐dihexylfluorene and 9‐dimethylaminopropylcarbazole based copolymers PFCN and 5PFCN have been prepared by Suzuki coupling polymerization. For comparison, alternate copolymer of 9,9‐dihexylfluorene and 9‐hexylcarbazole (PFC) was also prepared with the same method. Furthermore, alternate copolymer of 9,9‐dihexylfluorene and 9‐dimethylethylammoniumpropylcarbazole (PFCNE) was prepared from PFCN by the ethylation of its dimethylaminopropyl groups with bromoethane. These copolymers were soluble in organic solvents and showed high glass‐transition temperatures (75–160 °C). The optimized architecture of PFCN from a simulation was a spiral, which was different from the linear structure of poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene) (PFO). Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the residual weights of 5PFCN, PFCN, PFC, and PFCNE at 800 °C were all greater then 50%, whereas PFO showed complete thermal decomposition. Both the absorption and photoluminescence emission peaks of these copolymers showed blueshifts after the introduction of the carbazole units because of reduced conjugation. Moreover, the introduction of 9‐hexylcarbazole and 9‐dimethylamionpropylcarbazole moieties into copolymers PFC and PFCN, respectively, effectively prevented the excimer formation of PFO. According to cyclic voltammetry results, PFCNE containing quaternary amino pendant groups exhibited the most stable reduction–oxidation cycles. The turn‐on electric fields of their electroluminescence devices decreased with increasing carbazole content because of the more balanced carrier injection. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3882–3895, 2006     

Nonisothermal crystallization and melting behavior of a luminescent conjugated polymer,poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐alt‐co‐2,5‐didecyloxy‐1,4‐phenylene)

The nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of a luminescent conjugated polymer, poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐alt‐co‐2,5‐didecyloxy‐1,4‐phenylene) (PF6OC10) with three different molecular weights was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry under different cooling rates from the melt. With increasing molecular weight of PF6OC10, the temperature range of crystallization peak steadily became narrower and shifted to higher temperature region and the crystallization rate increased. It was found that the Ozawa method failed to describe the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of PF6OC10. Although the Avrami method did not effectively describe the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of PF6OC10 for overall process, it was valid for describing the early stage of crystallization with an Avrami exponent n of about 3. The combined method proposed in our previous report was able to satisfactorily describe the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of PF6OC10. The crystallization activation energies determined by Kissinger, Takhor, and Augis‐Bennett models were comparable. The melting temperature of PF6OC10 increased with increasing molecular weight. For low‐molecular‐weight sample, PF6OC10 showed the characteristic of double melting phenomenon. The interval between the two melting peaks decreased with increasing molecular weight, and only one melting peak was observed for the high‐molecular‐weight sample. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 976–987, 2007     

Formation of nanofibers in Poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) toluene solutions during aging

We report the formation of β‐phase nanofibers of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PF8) in aged toluene solution at low temperature and link their photophysical properties and rheological behaviors with the solution structures. By cooling the PF8 toluene solution and subsequently aging, the PF8 chains develop into nanofiber morphology and the effects of aging time, temperature, and solution concentration on the nanofiber formation are investigated. The formation and development process of PF8 β‐phase in aged solution captured by TEM has not been reported in previous studies. Further increasing the solution concentration leads to the gelation of PF8 after aging at low temperature. It is interesting to show that a scaling law correlating specific viscosity with the polymer concentration and intrinsic viscosity originally proposed for flexible polymer solutions also exists for this semiflexible PF8 polymer solution. This study may offer an effective way to improve the understanding of the formation mechanism of PF8 β‐phase and facilitate the ongoing exploration of using such nanofiber networks in electronic devices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015 , 53, 633–639     

Crosslinkable poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) derivative

To simplify the fabrication of multilayer light‐emitting diodes, we prepared a p‐phenylenevinylene‐based polymer capped with crosslinkable styrene through a Wittig reaction. Insoluble poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) derivative (PPVD) films were prepared by a thermal treatment. The photoluminescence and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorbance of crosslinked films and noncrosslinked films were studied. We also studied the solvent resistance of crosslinked PPV films with UV–vis absorption spectra and atomic force microscopy. Double‐layer devices using crosslinked PPVD as an emitting layer, 2‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐5‐phenyl‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (PBD) in poly(methyl methacrylate) as an electron‐transporting layer, and calcium as a cathode were fabricated. A maximum luminance efficiency of 0.70 cd/A and a maximum brightness of 740 cd/m² at 16 V were demonstrated. A 12‐fold improvement in the luminance efficiency with respect to that of single‐layer devices was realized. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2124–2129, 2004