title: Single molecule nanoparticles of the conjugated polymer MEH-PPV, preparation and characterization by near-field scanning optical microscopy.
abstract: We have developed a straightforward method for producing a stable, aqueous suspension of hydrophobic, fluorescent pi-conjugated polymer nanoparticles consisting primarily of individual conjugated polymer molecules. Features of the method are the facile preparation, purity, unique optical properties, and small size (approximately 5-10 nm) of the resulting nanoparticles. The results of TEM, scanning force microscopy, and near-field scanning optical microscopy of particles cast from the suspension indicate that the particles are single conjugated polymer molecules. The NSOM results yield estimates of the optical cross-sections of individual conjugated polymer molecules. The UV-vis absorption spectra of the nanoparticle suspensions indicate a reduction in conjugation length attributed to deformations of the polymer backbone. Fluorescence spectra of the aqueous nanoparticle suspensions indicate interactions between segments of the polymer chain and intramolecular energy transfer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, USA.
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Szymanski
authors.forename: Changfeng
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hooper
authors.forename: Mary Alice
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Salazar
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Perdomo
authors.forename: Albert
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dukes
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McNeill