Abstract
Multiscale assembly of poly(3-alkylthiophene)s complexed with various alkyl-chain surfactant architectures has been investigated in dilute and concentrated solutions by means of ultraviolet–visible absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, polarized optical microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and four-point probe conductivity measurements. Supramolecular complexation occurs via ionic interactions between poly(3-alkylthiophene)s electrolytes and ionic surfactants. In dilute solutions, the supramolecular complex undergoes a coil-to-rod conformational transition as evidenced by a time-dependent chromism. Spectroscopic studies on transition kinetics reveal an inverse first-order rate law. While surfactant architectures significantly affect the persistence length of the complexes, the inverse first-order rate law is maintained. When concentrated above a critical value, the supramolecular complex exhibits an isotropic-to-liquid crystalline transition yielding hexagonally ordered microstructures. The liqui...
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call