Influence of a non-ionic surfactant on the UV-vis absorption features of regioregular head-to-tail poly (3-hexylthiophene) in water-based dispersions

aThe use of a non-ionic surfactant for preparing a stable aqueous dispersion of regioregular head-to-tail poly(3-hexylthiophene) (R-P3HT) is described. The spectral features of a THF solution of R-P3HT dispersed in water are investigated by means of UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. A clear difference between the classical solvatochromic phenomenology and the behaviour of the realized polymer/THF/water/surfactant system is observed. pointing to interactions between the polymeric alkylic side chains and the surfactant hydrophobic tail. From a technological point of view. the presented water-based dispersions, reducing use of toxic organic solvents, may be an interesting and environmentally friendly approach to the processing of conjugated polymers. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.