Dispersion of micelle-encapsulated fluorophores in a polymer matrix for control of color of light emitted by light-emitting diodes

Abstract

In the present study, we demonstrated that fluorescent dyes could be nanoscopically dispersed in a polymer matrix that was immiscible with the dyes; the dyes were encapsulated in micelles. Using a model polymer composite, we also showed that the color of light emitted by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) could be controlled by coating fluorescent polymer composites onto the LEDs. For this purpose, fluorophores that were insoluble in toluene were solubilized into a solution of block copolymer micelles in toluene by the selective incorporation of fluorescent dyes into micellar cores. Because the micelles could be dispersed well in the polymer matrix without the formation of aggregates, fluorescent dyes encapsulated in the micelles were also effectively dispersed in the polymer matrix without macroscopic separation. The polymer composite can be evenly coated onto most substrates, regardless of their surface characteristics. Thus, light-emitting devices with well-controlled emission wavelengths and emission intensities can be fabricated by coating the polymer composite onto the surface of the device.