Surface modification of poly(2-methoxy-5-(2 '-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene) (MEH-PPV) by confined photo-catalytic oxidation

Abstract

In this study, the surface of pi-conjugated polymer, poly(2-methoxy-5(2'-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene) (MEH-PPV), was successfully modified with the sulfate anion (SO4-) groups by the confined photo-catalytic oxidation (CPO). After the surface modification, the water contact angle of MEH-PPV is changed from 95.5 degrees to 82.1 degrees without influence on its optical properties (based on the UV and PL spectra), and the water droplet can be absorbed on the modified MEH-PPV surface without sliding even at substrate tilt angles of 90 degrees and 180 degrees. The CPO on the MEH-PPV surface is able to further expand the use of MEH-PPV for applications. In addition, the water transport test indicates that the modified MEH-PPV can be a candidate for transporting water droplet. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.