A Solution-Processible, n-Dopable Polypyrrole Derivative

In this study, soluble, n-dopable, florescent, electrochromic polypyrrole derivative was synthesized through both chemical and electrochemical polymerization of 2-[6-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)hexyl]-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione (PyNI). The polymer synthesized through chemical polymerization had PL emission maxima at 471 and 543 nm and exhibited two redox couples at E-1/2,E-p = -1.48 V and E-1/2,E-p = 1.12 V due to n-type and p-type doping, respectively. Electrochromic properties of electrochemically synthesized poly(PyNI) (PPyNI) were investigated via spectroelectrochemistry, kinetic studies, coloration efficiency, and colorimetry measurements. The optical band gap of PPyNI was calculated as 2.99 and 2.37 eV. Spectroelectrochemistry analysis of PPyNI reflected electronic transitions at 330418 nm and 704 nm due to pi-pi* transition and charge carrier band formation, respectively. The polymer exhibited a switching time of 1.63 s and an optical contrast of 33.37%. Furthermore, dual-type, complementary-colored polymer electrochromic device in ITO/PPyNI/PEDOT/ITO configuration was assembled and characterized. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 50: 4847-4853, 2012, 2012