Development of Next-generation Functional Materials Based on Isolated Macromolecules

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Novel meso-structured silica gel was successfully obtained via sol-gel process using an amphiphile, containing thiophene and oligoethylene groups at its terminal positions, as a template. Oxidation of the composite with FeCl_3 caused polymerization of the thiophene within the silica channels, where fluorescence due to the formed polythiophenes observed, after removal of the oxidant by washing. Peak top of the fluorescence was bathochromically shifted from that observed for polythiophene obtained from the amphiphile alone, indicatging the possible elongation of the effective conjugation length in the silica channels. Although the silica channels in single domain are aligned in the same direction, it is well known that orientation of silica channels is macroscopically disordered because of the randomization of domains. For micrometer-range alignment of silica channels, sol-gel reaction at the lithographically patterned groove on the silicon substrate has been recently proposed and demonstrated to be useful. Collaboration with the group possessing this technique resulted in the successful alignment of polythiphenes. TEM observations of cross-sections parallel and perpendicular to the long axis of the groove clearly demonstrated that silica channels were aligned along with the long axis of the groove. Furthermore, polythiphenes in the channels were also aligned, as confirmed by anisotropic emission of the fluorescence.