Phenyleneethynylenes: Structure, Morphology and Photophysical Properties of Novel Pi Systems

The syntheses of novel poly(paraphenyleneethynylene)s, PPEs, and poly(aryleneeethynylene)s, PAEs, as well as hybrid poly(paraphenyleneethynylene)- poly(paraphenylenevinylene)s, PPE-PPVs, are presented. Fluorescent PPEs decorated with biologically relevant ligands are utilized in model biosensing schemes. PPE-PPV hybrids, as well as their highly emissive oligomeric, cruciform model compounds are studied in an effort to modify the bandgap of the parent PPE backbone. Improved hole and electron injection capabilities are demonstrated with these hybrid conjugated materials. Structural variation and morphological effects of PPEs, PPE-PPVs and model compounds are studied to elucidate the effects upon the photophysical properties of the emissive materials.Ph.D