Synthesis and optical properties of new end-functionalized polyquinolines

A novel monomer incorporating the quinoline moiety as the side group was synthesized and polymerized by employing free radical as well as atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques. In the latter case. two different initiators were used, resulting in dibenzyloxy- or dimethylester-end-functionalized polyquinolines. All polymers were characterized primarily using H-1 NMR, gel permeation chromatography, UV-vis photoluminescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. A systematic luminescence study was performed in different solvents and concentrations, showing that the optical properties of the newly synthesized polymers depend on both the solution's concentration and the ionic strength of the solvent. In addition, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques also confirmed the close correlation between the film morphology and the solvent used for their preparation.