Rapid conversion of poly(p-phenylenevinylene) films at low temperatures

Poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) films with good optical and electrical prop erties are desirable for optoelectronic applications. The standard synthesi s involves thermal elimination from a non-conjugated precursor. Although co nversion at low temperatures would be preferable in terms of improved quant um efficiency and ease of device fabrication, relatively high temperatures are needed for full PPV conversion. Here a route is presented in which rapi d elimination takes place at low temperature to yield thermally stable PPV films with a high degree of conjugation and improved photoluminescence prop erties.