Langmuir–Blodgett films of 9-phenyl anthracene molecules incorporated into different matrices

This communication reports the surface pressure (π) versus area per molecule (A) isotherm characteristics of the mixed films of 9-phenyl anthracene (PA) in stearic acid (SA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrices, at the air–water interface. The mixed Langmuir films at the air–water interface have been observed to be easily transferred onto solid substrates to form uniform Langmuir–Blodgett films. By changing various parameters, namely molefraction, surface pressure of lifting and number of layers, the mixed Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films of various types have been fabricated successfully and their spectroscopic characteristics have been reported. From the isotherm characteristics and the area per molecule versus molefraction plot, it is evident that the PA molecules are successfully incorporated into mixed Langmuir–Blodgett films. UV–vis absorption spectroscopic study of the mixed LB films at various molefractions of PA in two different matrices reveal that formation of I-type aggregate in PMMA matrix whereas both I- and H-type aggregates are playing their dominant role in SA matrix. Moreover, fluorescence spectroscopic study reveals reabsorption effect. Molecular movement persists in the freshly prepared LB films, as is evident from the time dependent changes in both UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectra of the mixed LB films in both matrices. From our observation it is evident that about 200 h is required to get the LB films in a stable condition. Dimers and higher order n-mers are formed at a higher surface pressure of 30 mN m−1.