Unusual protonation-induced continuous tunability of optical properties and electroluminescence of a π-conjugated heterocyclic oligomer

A study was conducted to demonstrate significant protonation-induced continuous tunability in the optical and optoelectronic properties of a π-conjugated heterocyclic oligomer. The study demonstrated that efficient electroluminescence can be achieved at 477, 480, 540, 552, and 586-591 nm from the same π-conjugated heterocyclic oligomer in different protonated states. The study also demonstrated that the progressive complexation of 6,6-bis((2-(1-pyrenyl)-4-octylquinoline) (BPYOQ) by camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) generates a series of highly emissive materials, with solid-state photoluminescence and electroluminescence spanning the visible region. CSA was used in the study, as it is a widely used complexing agent for the photonic acid doping of polyanilines.