Conjugated Polyelectrolytes: Synthesis, Photophysics, and Applications

Ionic polymers in action: Conjugated polyelectrolytes are an emerging class of multifunctional polymers that feature π-conjugated backbones festooned with ionic solubilizing groups. These materials have been exploited in a number of applications, including fluorescent biosensors, polymer light-emitting diodes, and polymer solar cells. MV²⁺=methylviologenOrganic optoelectronic polymers have evolved to the point where fine structural control of the conjugated main chain, coupled with solubilizing and property-modifying pendant substituents, provides an entirely new class of materials. Conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) provide a unique set of properties, including water solubility and processability, main-chain-controlled exciton and charge transport, variable band gap light absorption and fluorescence, ionic interactions, and aggregation phenomena. These characteristics allow these materials to be considered for use in applications ranging from light-emitting diodes and electrochromic color-changing displays, to photovoltaic devices and photodetectors, along with chemical and biological sensors. This Review describes the evolution of CPE structures from simple polymers to complex materials, describes numerous photophysical aspects, including amplified quenching in macromolecules and aggregates, and illustrates how the physical and electronic properties lead to useful applications in devices.