Photo-Cross-Linkable Polymeric Optoelectronics Based on the [2 + 2] Cycloaddition Reaction of Cinnamic Acid

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5b02407
• Publication Date: 2016-02-16T18:17:49Z
• Authors: Korwin M. Schelkle; Markus Bender; Sebastian Beck; Krischan F. Jeltsch; Sebastian Stolz; Johannes Zimmermann; R. Thomas Weitz; Annemarie Pucci; Klaus Müllen; Manuel Hamburger; Uwe H. F. Bunz
• Keywords: ddc:620; 01 natural sciences; Engineering & allied operations; info:eu-repo/classification/ddc/620; 620; 0104 chemical sciences

We report the synthesis of cinnamic acid-functionalized conjugated polymers, which are cross-linked via [2 + 2] cycloaddition by UV illumination, reducing their solubility. The cross-linking reaction was investigated by a combination of FTIR and optical spectroscopy, and an optimum condition for the solubility modulation of thin films, a major challenge in the solution-phase fabrication of layered optoelectronic devices, was reached. As proof of concept, OLEDs were fabricated, using these conjugated polymers as emissive layers.