Synthesis and characterization of luminescent conjugated polymer-silica composite spheres

Abstract

A novel poly(p-phenylene) derivative (C12PPPC11OH) was synthesized and used as a template for silica polymerization under ambient conditions in the absence of added catalysts. A few polymers of analogous molecular structures were also simultaneously used in control experiments to derive a molecular mechanism for the observed catalytic activity of C 12PPPC11OH. Silica spheres can be dispersed in both hydrophobic and hydrophilic solvents. The optical spectra of the solution-dispersed poly mer-silica composite spheres indicated the presence of polymers incorporated in the silica matrix. The UV spectra of the silica-C 12PPPC11OH composite dispersed in THF solution was similar to those of the polymer in THF, indicating no significant effect of solvent on the electronic structure of C12PPPC11OH in the composite. Moreover, confocal micrographs of the blue fluorescent spheres of the composites were also taken to show the presence of polymers in the composite. It is anticipated that, by appropriate modifications of the conjugated polymers, we may able to develop homogeneous semiconducting polymer-silica particles with tunable electrical and optical properties. © 2006 American Chemical Society.