Massive enhancement of photoluminescence through nanofilm dewetting

ACS Nano. 2013 Aug 27;7(8):6658-66. doi: 10.1021/nn4009752. Epub 2013 Jul 30.

Abstract

Due to the rather low efficiencies of conjugated polymers in solid films, their successful applications are scarce. However, recently several experiments indicated that a proper control of molecular conformations and stresses acting on the polymers may provide constructive ways to boost efficiency. Here, we report an amazingly large enhancement of photoluminescence as a consequence of strong shear forces acting on the polymer chains during nanofilm dewetting. Such sheared chains exhibited an emission probability many times higher than the nonsheared chains within a nondewetted film. This increase in emission probability was accompanied by the emergence of an additional blue-shifted emission peak, suggesting reductions in conjugation length induced by the dewetting-driven mass redistribution. Intriguingly, exciton quenching on narrow-band-gap substrates was also reduced, indicating suppression of vibronic interactions of excitons. Dewetting and related shearing processes resulting in enhanced photoluminescence efficiency are compatible with existing fabrication methods of polymer-based diodes and solar cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.