PPV nanotubes, nanorods, and nanofilms as well as carbonized objects derived therefrom

Poly(p-phenylenevinylene) (PPV) could be obtained in the form of nanotubes, nanorods and nanofilms by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) polymerization of α,α'-dichloro-p-xylene followed by thermal dehydrochlorination. The polymerizations were conducted on the inner surface of or inside the nanopores of alumina or polycarbonate membrane filters or on the surface of silicon wafers. The PPVs thus obtained could be thermally converted to the corresponding carbonized tubes, rods, and films. We also could obtain nanopatterns and nanowells of PPV and carbon on silicon wafers by utilizing nanolithographcd poly(methyl methacrylate) patterns. The PPV films obtained on the silicon wafers are semicrystalline and produce highly conducting (σ - 0.7 × 10³ Sem^-1) graphitic films even when treated only at 850°C. Field-emission properties of some of the graphitic nanotubes are also described in this report.