Electrochemical and electrochromic properties of multichromic pendritic poly(3,6-dithienycarbazole) and its copolymer

Abstract

A novel dendritic carbazole derivative (BTCPh) was designed and synthesized by simple chemical route. Its homopolymer and copolymer of BTCPh with (3,4-ethoxylene dioxythiophene) (EDOT) were electrochemically synthesized and characterized. Cyclic voltammetry and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to investigate the spectroelectrochemical and electrochromic properties of the two polymers. The copolymer P(BTCPh-EDOT) film revealed richer electrochromic color than that of the homopolymer PBTCPh film (yellow, green, blue, and grey) and showed five different colors (orange, green, brown-green, blue, and grey) under various potentials, which may be attributed to the introduction of the EDOT unit generating more doped states of the polymer, resulting in richer colors. Electrochromic switching tests indicated that both polymers possess good optical contrast and fast switching times. These properties show promise for potential applications on smart windows and displays.