Polyacetylenes (PAs) are among the fundamental semiconducting
polymers,
but interest in them is currently waning due to the low stability
under the workload of electronic devices made from them. Knowledge
about the effect of substituents, additives, and fillers on the electronic
structure of PA, which is closely related to the stability of these
materials and related devices, is not at the required level either.
This study deals with an air-stable PA, poly{1-[4-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl]-2-phenylacetylene}
(PTMSDPA), and its composites with SiO2 insulating nanoparticles
and ZnO semiconducting nanoparticles. The electronic structures of
these materials are analyzed by using energy-resolved electrochemical
impedance spectroscopy (ER-EIS) and electron spectroscopic methods.
The materials are used to construct electroluminescent diodes, the
characteristics of which are presented. The results obtained demonstrate
the positive effect of nanoparticle fillers on current efficiency
and luminance (up to 182 cd/m2, comparable to current displays)
as well as on the stability and lifespan of the diodes with an active
layer based on PTMSDPA nanocomposites compared to pure PTMSDPA.