Quantum Yield Enhancement of BDMO-PPV During Photo-Degradation

Poly-2,5-bis(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene (BDMO-PPV) is a photoluminescent semiconducting polymer similar to other well-studied polyphenylene vinylenes such as MEH-PPV and MDMO-PPV. This family of organic semiconductors has similar emission spectra and absorption spectra due to their backbone structure. However, side-chain structures between different polyphenylene vinylene (PPV) derivatives can result in different optoelectrical and material properties. PPVs are known for their instability, degradation, and low efficiency - a barrier for use in organic electronic devices. BDMO-PPV exhibits enhanced internal and external quantum yield while degrading in organic solvents such as chloroform and toluene. A proposed highly emissive intermediate state during photodegradation is responsible for an increase in internal and external quantum yield. Using photoluminescence spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and light scattering measurements we intend to define the physical and chemical processes behind the photo-degradation of BDMO-PPV.