Probing matrix isolation effects in lyotropic liquid crystal nanocomposites using water-soluble PPv

The incorporation of water-soluble poly(sodium phenylenevinylenedicarboxylate) in the ordered nanochannels of a hexagonal lyotropic liquid crystal network is described. The absorption and emission behavior of the pristine, pre-formed PPV derivative in solution, in the bulk solid state, and in the nanocomposite are compared. The effect of matrix isolation in the nanostructured assembly on the conjugation length, conformation, stability, and alignment of the encapsulated PPV chains will be discussed.