Patterned Immobilization of a Luminescent Ru(II) Complex in Polymer Films Using the Photoreaction of Benzyl thiocyanate: Toward Color Emission Tuning of Electroluminescent Devices

This contribution deals with the patterned immobilization of a highly luminescent Ru(II) complex in thin polymer films. Photosensitive polymers bearing benzyl thiocyanate groups in the side chain undergo a photoisomerization reaction upon irradiation with UV light. This photoreaction leads to the formation of isothiocyanate groups, which readily react with primary amino groups. We report on the immobilization of a highly luminescent Ru(II) complex in the illuminated areas of a norbornene based polymer by means of this photoreaction. In combination with lithographic techniques, patterned, luminescent polymer films are realized. A novel approach for tuning the electroluminescence of polyfluorene-based organic light- emitting diodes by the immobilization of this Ru(II) complex in the emission layer is suggested.