Anion-complex formation for the wettability control of a boron-containing π-conjugated polymer

Abstract

An anion-responsive boron-containing π-conjugated polymer was synthesized via the Sonogashira coupling polymerization. The ¹¹B NMR, UV/vis absorption, and fluorescence spectra confirmed the formation of an anion complex between the polymer and tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF). Thin films were then prepared either by the pre-addition method, where the thin film was prepared using a solution of the polymer and TBAF, or by the post-addition method, where the polymer thin film was treated with an aqueous TBAF solution. The contact angle measurements revealed an enhancement in wettability with both methods. Consequently, wettability can be controlled via anion-complex formation at the surface.

Keywords:

• Anion complex
• boron
• π-conjugated polymer
• fluoride anion
• wettability

Acknowledgments

The NMR analysis was performed using a JEOL JNM-ECZ500, JEOL Ltd. introduced by the subsidy program for development of advanced research infrastructure. We thank Ms. Saki Ohta, Yamagata University, for preliminary examinations.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by JSPS KAKENHI for Early-Career Scientists (JP19K15616, JP21K14606), Research Foundation for the Murata Foundation, Kato Foundation for Promotion of Science, Shorai Foundation for Science and Technology, and Tokuyama Science Foundation.