Stimuli-responsive functionalized insulated conjugated polymers

Diverse functionalized insulated conjugated polymers (ICPs) were synthesized via co-polymerization between insulated conjugated monomers and various functional units. Such polymers possessed well-defined, linked-rotaxane structures with target-specific insulations through a fine-synthetic technique. The functional moieties on the polymer backbones strongly affected their π -conjugation, which afforded sensitivity toward external stimuli. Chemical and physical inputs, such as redox, light, ions and gases, could be detected by modulating their optical and electrical properties. Moreover, the linked-rotaxane insulating structures inhibited undesired π – π interactions between chains and prohibited thermal fluctuation in the conjugated backbones. The rotaxane structures efficiently enhanced the processabilities and physical properties of the sensing materials. Accordingly, cooperative effects were observed between the insulation and functional moieties in functionalized ICPs. In this review, sophisticated material designs and synthetic strategies toward functionalized ICPs will be described with a focus on reversible sensing of external stimuli. Diverse functionalized insulated conjugated polymers (ICPs) were synthesized via co-polymerization between insulated conjugated monomers and various functional units. The functional moieties strongly affected their π -conjugation, which provided sensitivity towards external stimuli. Chemical and physical inputs, such as redox, light, ions and gases, could be detected by modulating their optical and electrical properties. Moreover, the insulating structures inhibited undesired π – π interactions and prohibited thermal fluctuation in the conjugated backbones, enhancing the physical properties of the sensing materials. Accordingly, cooperative effects were observed between the insulation and functional moieties in functionalized ICPs.