Robust, fluorescent, and nanoscale freestanding conjugated films

The fabrication of free-standing structures of nanoscale thickness is technically challenging because of the poor mechanical stability of conventional polymers. Conjugated polymers (CP) composed of rod-like chains with much stronger mechanical properties are exploited here for layer-by-layer assembly. We successfully fabricated ultrathin freestanding layer-by-layer conjugated films (under 20 nm thick) which are flexible, easily fabricated, and demonstrated excellent mechanical properties combined with high fluorescence. This unique combination of properties can be considered for new applications such as flexible, lightweight displays and large luminescent panels.