Photo-activated polymers and co-polymers exhibit colors in the visible spectrum when photo-activated. The photo-active polymers, co-polymers and combinations thereof may be utilized in articles to impart color to the articles. For example, the photo-active polymers may be utilized in printing technology, such as in 2D printing and/or in 3D-printing methods to impart colors to articles.

Provided are graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), methods of making GNRs, and uses of the GNRs. The methods can provide control over GNR parameters such as, for example, length, width, and edge composition (e.g., edge functional groups). The methods are based on a metal catalyzed cycloaddition reaction at the carbon-carbon triple bonds of a poly(phenylene ethynylene) polymer. The GNRs can be used in devices such a microelectronic devices.

Various embodiments relate to p-phenylene ethynylene compounds as bioactive and detection agents. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of inducing germination of microbial spores including contacting the microbial spores with a p-phenylene ethynylene compound. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method for detecting an enzyme, a method of protein analysis, or a method of detecting a chemical agent, including introducing a p-phenylene ethylylene compound to a composition including an enzyme substrate, and analyzing the fluorescence of the p-phenylene ethynylene compound. Various embodiments provide sensors that include a p-phenylene ethynylene compound and an enzyme substrate.

Described herein are methods, compositions and articles of manufacture involving neutral conjugated polymers including methods for synthesis of neutral conjugated water-soluble polymers with linkers along the polymer main chain structure and terminal end capping units. Such polymers may serve in the fabrication of novel optoelectronic devices and in the development of highly efficient biosensors. The invention further relates to the application of these polymers in assay methods.

Self-limiting electrospray compositions including a non-charge-dissipative component and/or a charge-dissipative component. Self-limiting electrospray composition including a plurality of charge-dissipative components and excluding a non-charge-dissipative component. Methods for forming layers of self-limiting thickness. Methods for determining a conductivity of a material. Methods for repairing a flaw in a layer on a surface of an object.

The invention relates to a process for the production of an organic layer comprising regions with different electronic properties. The process is based on the use of dihydroanthracene, dihydrobenzene, benzol or fluorene precursors functionalised with at least one substituted propargyl alcohol. By subjecting these precursors to a reduction/re-aromatisation reaction and/or to a retro-Favorskii reaction one obtains small organic molecules or polymers having different electronic properties, due to the specific chemical composition generated by the different chemical reactions in which the precursors are involved. Therefore, starting from the same precursor and subjecting it alternatively to the two specified reactions, one obtains products with different electronic properties. i.e. molecules characterised by high energy levels of the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), which have at least one aromatic ring substituted with at least one ethynyl group, and molecules characterised by lower energy levels of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), which have at least one carbonyl functionality, preferably at least one quinone ring or at least one phenyl with at least one carbonyl functionality. The reactions are carried out in such a way that the final products are incorporated into a single organic layer.