High Refractive-Index Hybrids Consisting of Water-Soluble Matrices with Bipyridine-Modified Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane and Lanthanoid Cations

Abstract

We report high refractive-index (RI) films composed of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (SSQ) matrices and various lanthanoid cations. The SSQ matrices were constructed from octaammonium SSQ by connecting with bipyridine dicarboxylic acid, which is expected to capture cations. By modulating the feed ratio between SSQ and dicarboxylic acid, the series of the SSQ matrices were obtained with variable cross-linking ratios among the SSQ units. Thin transparent films were able to be prepared through the drop-casting method with the aqueous mixtures containing SSQ matrices and various kinds of lanthanoid salts up to 40 wt %. From RI measurements, it was revealed that the increase of the amount of the metal ion can significantly lift up the RI values. In particular, critical losses of Abbe numbers, which theoretically have the trade-off relationship toward increases in RI values, were hardly detected. This effect could be obtained by cation assembly in local spots that are assisted by SSQ.

Paintable Hybrids with Thermally Stable Dual Emission Composed of Tetraphenylethene-Integrated POSS and MEH-PPV for Heat-Resistant White-Light Luminophores

“…In order to homogeneously mix π-conjugated polymers and other components, we have focused on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). − POSS is organic–inorganic hybrid molecules consisting of a cubic silica core and organic substituents at eight vertices. The unique three-dimensional structure consisting of organic and inorganic components is regarded as a versatile element block, − which is the minimum functional unit including heteroatoms, for producing designable hybrid materials according to the preprogrammed design. − Indeed, we have constructed homogeneous hybrid materials with π-conjugated polymers based on luminophore-integrated POSS through facile mixing in solution without sol–gel reactions. , In particular, we found that the dendritic-arranged substituents on POSS led to low crystallinity and high compatibility to π-conjugated polymers. The resulting hybrid materials based on POSS showed high thermal stability and intense emission from π-conjugated polymers owing to the light-harvesting effect of the POSS through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). , …”

Development, Characterization and Valuable Use of Novel Dosimeter Film Based on PVA Polymer Doped Nitro Blue Tetrazolium Dye and AgNO3 for the Accurate Detection of Low X-ray Doses

“…The doping of various polymers with certain metal ions imparts new and improved properties to the polymer. Indeed, polymers hybridized with transition metals are considered to be versatile materials applied in many scientific fields allowing important industrial technological advances [ 33 , 34 , 35 ]. These conductive polymer composites provide the opportunity to enhance their physical, mechanical, electrical and optical properties.…”