Controlling Optoelectronic Behavior in Poly(fluorene) Networks Using Thiol-Ene Photo-Click Chemistry

Thiol-ene photo-click chemistry is used to cross-link poly(fluorene) derivatives incorporating varying length alkene side-chains into conjugated thin film networks with tunable network architecture, offering a systematic handle on network architecture in cross-linked conjugated polymers. Newly reported poly(fluorene)s with 5- and 11-carbon length thiolene compatible side-chains are cross-linked using difunctional and tetra-functional thiol cross-linkers to afford networks of varying connectivity which are tracked by FTIR, contact profilometry, and photo calorimetry. Fluorenone defects are additionally incorporated into the poly(fluorene) networks and act as a uniquely effective colorimetric indicator of electronic communication within the conjugated network. This provides a novel method for the systematic investigation of the effects of network architecture on cross-linked conjugated polymer films, which opens the door for controlling the optoelectronic properties of organic semiconductor networks as demonstrated by electroluminescent devices with improved efficiency.