The performance of conjugated polymers as emitters for triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion

A series of poly(phenylene–ethynylene) copolymers with various aryl spacer units were synthesized for use as emitters in triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion. The upconversion performance of these conjugated polymers was compared to that of well-known poly(phenylene–vinylene) polymers, MEH-PPV and super yellow, in chloroform solution. The copolymer containing anthracene units outperformed both reference polymers recording a maximum upconversion quantum yield of 0.18%.