Surface modification of poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene) (MEH-PPV) by confined photo-catalytic oxidation

In this study, the surface of π-conjugated polymer, poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene) (MEH-PPV), was successfully modified with the sulfate anion (SO(4-)) groups by the confined photo-catalytic oxidation (CPO). After the surface modification, the water contact angle of MEH-PPV is changed from 95.5° to 82.1° without influence on its optical properties (based on the UV and PL spectra), and the water droplet can be absorbed on the modified MEH-PPV surface without sliding even at substrate tilt angles of 90° and 180°. The CPO on the MEH-PPV surface is able to further expand the use of MEH-PPV for applications. In addition, the water transport test indicates that the modified MEH-PPV can be a candidate for transporting water droplet.