Effect of Different Solvents on the Optical Properties and Surface Morphology of MEH-PPV Thin Films

Abstract

Thin films of poly [2-methoxy-5(2’-ethyl hexyloxy)-phenylene vinylene] (MEH-PPV) prepared from aromatic and non-aromatic solvents were obtained by spin coating techniques. The non-aromatic solvents used are chloroform and tetrahydrofuran (THF), while the aromatic solvents used are toluene and xylene. The UV-Vis and PL spectra of MEH-PPV thin films prepared from toluene and xylene slightly red shift compared to thin films from chloroform and THF. The shifting due to the aggregation formed in thin films. The SEM images of thin films prepared from aromatic solvents shows smooth surface while surface of thin films from non-aromatic is rough. The FTIR spectra of all samples show the same peak assignment of MEH-PPV.