A Radial-Linear π-Conjugated Polymer by Integrating Poly(Para-phenylene Vinylene) and Cycloparaphenylene for Enhanced Optoelectronic and Electrochemical Performance.

Herein, we present a new class of hybrid conjugated polymer that integrates [8]cycloparaphenylene ([8]CPP) directly into poly(para-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) frameworks, creating a π-extended poly(cyclo(para-phenylene vinylene)) ([8]CPPV). Comprehensive characterization confirmed its well-defined alternating structure. Photophysical analyses revealed curvature-driven electronic coupling between the radial CPP and linear PPV π-systems, resulting in broadened absorption, red-shifted emission, and high fluorescence quantum yield. Furthermore, [8]CPPV demonstrates excellent performance as a lithium-ion battery anode, combining high initial capacity with stable cycling enabled by mixed pseudocapacitive and diffusion-controlled Li storage mechanisms. These results establish [8]CPPV as a versatile all-carbon polymeric framework that bridges molecular nanohoops and extended π-networks, offering a tunable platform for optoelectronic and energy storage applications.