Probing of chain conformations in conjugated polymer nanoparticles by electron spin resonance spectroscopy

In the case of conjugated polymer chains usually considered as rigid or stiff, it is an open question how the individual chains adopt their conformation inside nanoparticles. Here, the conformation of such a rigid conjugated polymer chain is elucidated for the first time. For this purpose, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy as a method allowing for a direct observation is established.