Structural dynamics and charge transfer via complexation with fullerene in large area conjugated polymer honeycomb thin films

Structural and optical properties of poly{2,5-bis[3-(N,N-diethylamino)-1- oxapropyl]-1,4-phenylenevinylene} (P1)-based honeycomb and charge transfer when the honeycomb is complexed with fullerenes either by electrostatic interaction or in blend was reported. The optical properties of a P1-honeycomb film prepared by breathfigure technique (BFT) and one prepared by drop-casting a P1 film from chlorobenzene using confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) and microspectroscopy was compared. Analysis of P1-honeycomb surface morphology by atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals average node/frame thicknesses of 600 nm/250 nm, respectively. The P1-honeycomb-patterns exhibit highly intense, red-shifted and vibronically structured photoluminescence compared to that of the dropcasted P1 films, likely reflecting regions of ordered close packing or enhanced π-π stacking between polymer chains.