Direct observation of the ordering and molecular folding of poly[(m-phenylenevinylene)-co-(2,5-dioctoxy-p-phenylenevinylene)]

Diverse chain foldings of a semi-conjugated polymer are examined with submolecular resolution and molecular models (see Figure) are proposed. The ordering process observed directly supports the hypothesis that the polymer would show a preference to adsorb straight on a nanotube surface. The results provide important reference for the interaction mode between polymers and nanotubes.