All-conjugated polyelectrolyteblock copolymers

Abstract

Novel, all-conjugated polyelectrolyte block copolymers of the rod-rod type can be generated in a “grafting from” scheme and exhibit a preferred tendency to self-assemble into layered aggregates both in solution and the solid state. Here, the rigid-rod structure of the individual, complex macromolecules favours the formation of low-curvature vesicular and lamellar aggregates. Our poly(9,9-dialkylfluorene)-b-poly[3-(6-ammoniumhexyl)thiophene] (PF2/6-b-P3TMAHT and PFO-b-P3TMAHT, where PF2/6 and PFO denote 2-(ethyl)hexyl and linear octyl alkyl pendant groups, respectively), and poly(9,9-dialkylfluorene)-b-poly[3-(6-pyridylhexyl)thiophene] (PF2/6-b-P3PyHT and PFO-b-P3PyHT) polyelectrolyte diblock copolymers allow for simple and reliable control of the occurring self-organisation process and the resulting nano-scaled architectures. They are, therefore, promising candidates for application as the active layer in electronic devices or as functional membranes (e.g. for sensor applications). Moreover, the electronic properties of the materials (especially the excitation energy transfer between both blocks) strongly depend on the aggregation state present. Aggregation can be further controlled via addition of oppositely charged surfactants resulting in the formation of ordered polyelectrolyte/surfactant complexes.