Photoluminescence, electroluminescence, nonlinear optical, and humidity sensitive properties of poly(p-diethynylbenzene) prepared with a nickel acetylide catalyst

The pi-conjugated polymer poly(p-diethynylbenzene) (PDEB) has potential app lications in electronics and optics; however, its poor solubility and proce ssability have limited its usefulness. The new synthesis reported here make s use of a novel nickel catalyst, and gives rise to PDEB with good solubili ty and excellent thermal stability characteristics. The polymer exhibits fa ir photoluminescence and electroluminescence, a large third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility, and good humidity sensitivity, while doped PDEB sh ows semiconductor characteristics.