Multifunctional ionomer-derived honeycomb-patterned architectures and their performance in light enhancement of light-emitting diodes

We report herein a versatile strategy to fabricate ionomer-derived honeycomb-patterned films with favourable fluorescence, optical performance and hydrophobicity via a breath figure (BF) method. Taking well-defined poly(methyl methacrylate)-zinc acrylate (PMMA-Zn(AA) ₂) ionomer as the starting material, we have explored the influence of solvents and substrates on the morphologies of ionomer films obtained under 85% humidity. Fluorescent PMMA-ZnS hybrids were achieved subsequently in situ by exposing the ionomer solutions under H ₂S atmosphere. Due to the unique hierarchical hexagonal architectures, coupled with well-dispersed ZnS nanocrystals, the hybrid films obtained via BF display fascinating fluorescence and vivid iridescent colours, with greatly enhanced hydrophobicity. Interestingly, these films contribute to ∼17.7% improvement of luminous efficacy for light-emitting diodes (LEDs) by virtue of their multifunctionality. This convenient and robust access to multifunctional honeycomb-patterned films by the BF method may find practical applications in extensive fields.