Precursor-route poly(p-phenylenevinylene): Polymer characterisation and control of electronic properties

The authors review the results of extensive studies that have been reported by the author and by other workers on the preparation and properties of the conjugated polymer poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV). The use of the sulphonium polyelectrolyte precursor-route synthesis gives considerable flexibility for materials processing and it is shown that high-quality samples of controlled morphology, crystallinity, orientation and length of uninterrupted conjugated sequences can be obtained through a suitable choice of preparation conditions. Where applicable, the experimental results are compared with those obtained from theoretical calculations and any discrepancies are discussed.