Electrochemical and optical characterization of p- and n-doped poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene

We study electrochemical p- and n-type doping in the well-known light-emitting polymer poly2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV). Doping reactions are characterized using cyclic voltammetry. Optical measurements including photoluminescence and UV/Vis/NIR transmission were performed on doped samples. We find that oxidation in MEH-PPV is a highly reversible reaction resulting in stable freestanding doped films, while the reduced form is unstable and the reaction irreversible. We discuss the dependence of doping reactions on scan rate, film thickness, salt type and concentration, and working electrode type. We observe the development of two additional broad absorption bands in both lightly and heavily doped films accompanied by a slight blueshift in the primary optical transition, suggesting bipolaron band formation. Finally we find that both p and n dopings result in extremely sensitive photoluminescence quenching. We propose a physical model for understanding electrochemical doping in MEH-PPV and the implications this has on the development of such technologies as polymer light-emitting electrochemical cells, electrochromic devices, actuators, and sensors.