A novel terthienyl based polymer electrochrome with peripheral BODIPY

Design, synthesis and electropolymerization of a new hybrid material based on terthienyl system bearing BODIPY appendage are reported. This electrochemically polymerized unique combination readily gives an electrochromic polymer with a narrow optical band gap (1.71 eV). The electrochrome exhibits purple color when neutralized and sky blue color when oxidized in a monomer-free electrolyte solution containing 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate dissolved in acetonitrile. Spectroscopic and electrochemical features of the electroactive polymer electrochrome indicate that it is a promising candidate for electrochromic device and display applications. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.