Synthesis, characterization of novel conjugated polymers and oligomers

Abstract

The current project is focused on exploring the structure-property relationship to develop novel functional materials. Our research efforts started from developing cross-linked polyphenylenes, which have a two-dimensional conjugated network structure while maintaining desired properties of their linear chain counterparts. In addition, a few triphenylene-incorporated polyphenylenes were synthesized and characterized. The X-ray diffraction studies of the polymer films indicated self-assembly of the polymers gave rise to well-ordered lamellar structures, which can be attributed to the π-π stacking of triphenylene as well as the interaction of side chains. Photoluminescent triphenylene dimers as model compounds were synthesized and their liquid crystalline behavior was investigated. Polyacetylene and polythiophene with conjugated fluorene or triphenylene pendant groups were synthesized to study the role of side chains towards extending the conjugation of polymer backbone. Overall, interesting materials have been designed and synthesized, followed by the investigation of the structure-property relationships of such materials.