Self-assembly of a conjugated triblock copolymer at the air–water interface

Abstract

Controlling the self-assembly of highly luminescent conjugated polymers is essential for preparing various optoelectronic devices. In this study, a polyisoprene-b-polystyrene-b-poly(3-hexylthiophene) (PI-PS-P3HT) triblock copolymer was synthesized and readily self-assembled into network-like morphologies via dewetting at the air–water interface. Interestingly, the monolayer thick film displayed high photoluminescence (PL) as a result of successfully transferring the amorphous conjugated P3HT chains in the PI-PS-P3HT triblock copolymer from the solution state to the solid state. A model was proposed to illustrate the supramolecular organization of the PI-PS-P3HT monolayer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of a hydrophobic conjugated block copolymer at the air–water interface, from which the conjugated polymer-based monolayer with highly efficient PL formed by dewetting was achieved.