Synthesis of MDMO-PPV Nanoparticles Via In Situ Sulfinyl Precursor Route Polymerization in Miniemulsion

A facile route to synthesize poly[(2-methoxy-5-(3,7,-dimethyloctyloxy))-1,4-phenylene vinylene] polymer nanoparticles (NPs) using the miniemulsion technique in combination with the sulfinyl precursor route polymerization is presented. The reaction conditions involving high temperature are overcome by using ethylene glycol as a polar continuous phase. Particles can be easily transferred into the water phase without the need for additional surfactant. The characteristic UV-vis absorption and the strong fluorescence exhibited by the polymer along with the molecular weight obtained prove the success of the synthetic strategy. Such in situ synthesis of PPV in the form of NPs can be extended to other conjugated polymers, opening new doors for synthesizing luminescent NPs that have tremendous potential in biomedicine and printable electronics.