Increased alignment of electronic polymers in liquid crystals via hydrogen bonding extension.

TitleIncreased alignment of electronic polymers in liquid crystals via hydrogen bonding extension.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2006
AuthorsHoogboom, J, Swager, TM
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume128
Pagination15058–9
Date Publishednov
ISSN0002-7863
Keywordsliq crystal hydrogen bonding order polyphenylenevinylene alignment
Abstract

Crucial for the development of enhanced electrooptic materials is the construction of highly anisotropic materials. Nematic liquid crystals are able to control the chain conformation and alignment of poly(phenylene ethynylene)s (PPEs), producing electronic polymers with chain-extended planar conformations for improved transport properties. Here, we show that the dichroic ratio, and hence polymer alignment, increases dramatically when interpolymer interactions are introduced by end capping the PPE with hydrogen bonding groups. This increased order can be readily turned off by the introduction of a competing monofunctionalized hydrogen bonding compound. The formation of hydrogen bonds between the polymers results in the formation of gels and elastomers which may be of interest for future applications.

URLhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17117835
DOI10.1021/ja065662o