Optical and electroemission properties of thin films of supermolecular anthracene-based rotaxanes

Rotaxanes are a new class of functional materials. They consist of mechanically interlocked supermolecular systems where a central linear thread passes through the cavity of a macrocyclic ring. The ring is constrained within the two extremities of the thread by two bulky stoppers. In this work, we report on spectroscopic characterisation of an anthracene-based novel rotaxane (EPAR-Me) and on the electroemission (EL) from a basic rotaxane component (ANTPEP). An OLED has been prepared using the anthracene-based thread (ANTPEP) of the EPAR-Me rotaxane in polycarbonate matrices. Spectroscopic measurements are reported, supporting excimer-like EL and field dependent electroexcimer for the ANTPEP thin film. Tentative assignment of emitting species of EPAR-Me are also discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.