Revival of Polyacetylenes in Electronics: Green Light-Emitting Diodes

Polyacetylenes (PAs) are among the fundamental semiconducting polymers, but interest in them is currently waning due to the low stability under the workload of electronic devices made from them. Knowledge about the effect of substituents, additives, and fillers on the electronic structure of PA, which is closely related to the stability of these materials and related devices, is not at the required level either. This study deals with an air-stable PA, poly{1-[4-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl]-2-phenylacetylene} (PTMSDPA), and its composites with SiO2 insulating nanoparticles and ZnO semiconducting nanoparticles. The electronic structures of these materials are analyzed by using energy-resolved electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (ER-EIS) and electron spectroscopic methods. The materials are used to construct electroluminescent diodes, the characteristics of which are presented. The results obtained demonstrate the positive effect of nanoparticle fillers on current efficiency and luminance (up to 182 cd/m2, comparable to current displays) as well as on the stability and lifespan of the diodes with an active layer based on PTMSDPA nanocomposites compared to pure PTMSDPA.