PPO Rod

PPO Rod

Poly(2,4-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO), poly(benzo[1,2-d:5,4-d′]bisoxazole-2,6-diyl-1,4-phenylene) (PBO) and poly(benzo[1,2-d:4,5-d′]bisthiazole-2,6-diyl-1,4-phenylene) (PBZT), which are polymers with extended conjugated structures, undergo a self-sensitized photo-induced electron-transfer reaction. A second component is not required. This article presents many similar observations on these polymers when they are exposed to light and evidence to support the proposed photo-induced electron-transfer mechanism. Methods to stabilize these polymers against photo-oxidation are also described. Workers investigating other conjugated polymeric systems may find the experimental methods, observations and polymer stabilization approaches discussed in this review useful. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry