Molecular Engineering of Polyphosphazenes and SWNT Hybrids with Potential Applications as Electronic Materials

Abstract

Polymer/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) hybrids are promising candidates in applications such as flexible and stretchable electronics. In this contribution, we have examined structure–property relationships for constructing new polyphosphazene–SWNT hybrids. UV–vis and Raman spectroscopy studies revealed that the unique PN backbone enables strong intermolecular donor–acceptor interactions between the polymer and SNWTs. Furthermore, the polymeric backbone and the environment at the P-centers collectively play important roles in the formation of the hybrids. For polymers with shorter alkoxy substituents, the donor–acceptor interactions between the PN backbone and SWNTs play a crucial role in stabilizing the hybrid complexes, but for polymers with longer alkoxy substituents, the CH−π interactions and steric hindrance between the alkyl side chains and SWNTs counterbalance each other and control the stability of the hybrid complexes. Furthermore, the presence of fluorine and oxygen atoms is detrimental to the stability of the hybrid complexes. New cross-linkable polyphosphazenes with anthracene side units were also synthesized. When photo-cross-linked, these polyphosphazene/SWNT hybrids showed elastomeric characteristics and electronic properties that are promising for future applications.

Polyphosphazenes: Phosphorus in Inorganic–Organic Polymers

“…Other examples include injectable supramolecular hydrogels 60 and ultraviolet cleavable micelles. 61 For nonbiological applications, transition metal complexes, 62,63 organic dyes, 24 and many sterically hindered species such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons, photonic groups, 64 carbon nanotubes, 65 and other electronically active units have been incorporated as minor side groups linked to a carrier polymer. Other examples include host−guest inclusion units, 66 cyclodextrins, 60 micelles, 61 crown ethers, 67 and a range of other bulky functional molecules that have some specialized function.…”

Polyphosphazenes and Cyclotriphosphazenes with Propeller-like Tetraphenylethyleneoxy Side Groups: Tuning Mechanical and Optoelectronic Properties

“…The possible application of these polymers for stretchable electronics has also been explored. Based on previous studies of the phosphazene/ single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) hybrids, 39 the excellent elastomeric properties of P2d and the large planar conjugated structure of side groups 2 led to the selection of P2d as a host polymer for interactions with SWNTs. Indeed, P2d forms complexes with SWNTs in THF as evidenced by the stable SWNT dispersions in THF solution in the presence of P2d (Figure 6c, inset).…”

Dynamic Polyphosphazene Networks with Modulating Shape Memory and Self‐Healing Capacity by Double Coordination Interactions

“…Polyphosphazene is a unique class of hybrid polymers with an amazing structural design. [ 1,2 ] It has a wide range of applications in high‐performance elastomers such as low‐temperature elastomers, [ 3–5 ] flame‐retardant materials, [ 6–8 ] stretchable electronics, [ 9,10 ] bionic muscles, [ 11,12 ] super‐hydrophobic materials, [ 13,14 ] and biodegradable materials. [ 15–17 ] However, there are few reports about recyclable and self‐healing polyphosphazene, while similar studies are popular in polysiloxane.…”