Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Poly (p-Phenylene Vinylene) Copolymers: The Development of a Universal Method towards Advanced Conjugated Polymers for Device Applications

Abstract

n Chapter 1, a general introduction to the field of conjugated polymers is given. Conjugated polymers are unique materials, which combine the electronic and optical properties of semiconductors with the mechanical properties and processability of conventional polymers. Generally, organic and polymeric materials have the advantage of being lightweight, flexible, low-cost and straightforward to process. Nowadays, as a result of the wide variety in available synthetic methods, it is possible to customize the properties of many conjugated polymers for a particular function. In addition, the science of conjugated polymers continues to be of considerable interest for fundamental studies in physics and chemistry. Through the better understanding of structure-property relationships, increasingly sophisticated structures of conjugated polymers can be designed and assembled. Within the broad range of available conjugated polymers, poly(para-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and its derivatives are widely used in a variety of different applications. The focus on this work is on this versatile class of conjugated polymers. The aim of the research presented in this work is the synthesis and characterization of novel PPV derivatives, which have been prepared via the sulfinyl precursor route. Conjugated Polymers made via the sulfinyl precursor route have enhanced properties as compared to polymers made via other available synthetic routes....