Synthesis and characterization of semi-crystalline polyarylene ether nitrile with AIEE feature

An AIEgen 1, 2-di (4-hydroxyphenyl)-1, 2-diphenylethene (TPE-2OH) was introduced into the back bone of semi-crystalline poly arylene ether nitriles (PEN). The fluorescence spectra results indicated that the derived polymer displayed a typical aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) active with an emitting peak at similar to 470 nm. Then the AIEE active PEN was prepared into films through casting method and realised strong fluorescence emission and excellent mechanics properties. Besides, the crystal AIEE active polymer shows sphere micro-morphology along with a strong blue emission. These findings will open a door for further research on the high performance semi-crystalline PEN at flexible display technology and optical sensors.