Langmuir and Langmuir–Blodgett films of a quinoline-fluorene based copolymer

The fabrication of Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of synthetic polymers allows the control of molecular architecture in order to optimize physical properties. In this paper, the surface chemistry of a quinoline-fluorene based copolymer spread on the air–water interface is investigated. Surface pressure–area isotherms as well as Polarization-Modulation Infrared Reflection-Absorption Spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) were employed to characterize the films, which could be transferred to solid supports by the LB technique. Atomic force microscopy as well as UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies have shown a regular deposition of the polymers, and the luminescence properties could be controlled with the number of layers deposited on the solid support. As a result, the photoluminescence of the LB films was considerably higher than that observed for the spin coated film, and the maximum emission peak was shifted to higher energies, which is attributed to the molecular-level interactions within the layer-ordered structure of the LB film. The luminescence response would possibly be tuned to approach the highest level, which allows the films to be employed in future applications in efficient optical devices such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs).

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► Quinoline based copolymer was spread on the air–water interface
► Tensiometry and infrared spectroscopy proved the formation of Langmuir monolayers.
► Films were transferred to solid supports by the Langmuir–Blodgett technique.
► Luminescence and conducting properties of the polymer were preserved.