Merging π-molecular functions achieved through homogeneous liquid-liquid blending of solvent-free alkyl-π liquids.

Abstract

Solvent-free alkyl-π liquids, an emerging class of optoelectronically-active soft materials, have attracted attention for their applications in soft electronics, offering liquid fluidity as well as predictable and stable π-functions. Extensive research has been conducted to date on controlling the optoelectronic properties of alkyl-π liquids. When modulating function by adding solid dopants, the dopant molecules have poor solubility, leading to insoluble aggregates and inconsistencies in properties such as luminescent color. Chemical modification of the π-skeleton requires synthesizing molecules that display the desired properties, which poses challenges in achieving predictable performance and ensuring economic feasibility across various molecular designs. In this study, we propose a liquid-liquid blending strategy that enables the precise and homogeneous merge of π-functions of alkyl π-liquids. Rheological analysis was used to evaluate miscibility between alkyl π-liquids. Furthermore, the accurate and uniform control of the photoluminescent color--a representative π-function--was successfully demonstrated through the blending of three alkyl π-liquids that emit the three primary colors. This liquid-liquid blending strategy offers an innovative approach for adjusting not only luminescent color but also for merging various π-functions in solvent-free liquid materials.