Solvent-induced self-assembly of a mifa-linked conjugated polyelectrolyte. helix formation, guest intercalation, and amplified quenching

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) 2004-07, Vol.16 (14), p.1208-1212
• Main Authors: Tan, Chunyan, Pinto, Mauricio R, Kose, M Erkan, Ghiviriga, Ion, Schanze, Kirk S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.200306711

It is well established that amphiphilic polymers self-assemble into a variety of supramolecular architectures, including micelles, vesicles, and liquid-crystalline phases. Recent interest in the self-assembly of functional materials has motivated a number of research groups to investigate the properties of amphiphilic it-conjugated oligomers and polymers. These studies reveal that self-assembly can give rise to unique materials properties such as changes in light absorption (color), fluorescence wavelength and fluorescence anisotropy, and induction of large amplitude circular dichroism signals. It has also been demonstrated that there is a direct relationship between architecture at the molecular and supramolecular levels. For example, molecular systems featuring large planar aromatic cores with protruding flexible alkyl chains self-assemble into discotic liquid-crystalline phases; linear pi-con-jugated systems consisting of poly(phenylene vinylene) (PPV) or poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) backbones with flexible alkyl or alkyloxy side chains form lamellar aggregates; conjugated oligomers and polymers with kinked or bent, but otherwise rigid, backbones may self-assemble into helical structures.