Title
Harmonic light scattering study reveals structured clusters upon the supramolecular aggregation of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)
Author
Michèle Moris, Marie-Paule Van Den Eede, Guy Koeckelberghs, Olivier Deschaume, Carmen Bartic, Stijn Van Cleuvenbergen, Koen Clays, Thierry Verbiest
Year
2019
Journal
Communications Chemistry
Abstract
Solubilized poly(3-alkylthiophene)s are known to self-assemble into well-ordered supramolecular aggregates upon lowering the solvent quality. This supramolecular organization largely determines the optical and electronic properties of these polymers. However, despite numerous studies the exact mechanism and kinetics of the aggregation process and the role of external stimuli are still poorly understood. Classical characterization techniques such as electronic spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and diffraction-based techniques have not been able to provide a full understanding. Here we use second-harmonic scattering (SHS) and third-harmonic scattering (THS) techniques to investigate this supramolecular aggregation mechanism. Our results indicate that the actual supramolecular aggregation is preceded by the formation of structured polymer-solvent clusters consistent with a nonclassical crystallization pathway.
Full Article
Instrument
V-730, J-810
Keywords
Circular dichroism, Absorption, Polymers, Aggregation, Chemical stability