Synthesis and characterization of porphyrin electrochromic and photovoltaic electropolymers

New asymmetric porphyrins, with electroactive functionalities were synthesized. 5,15-Bis[4(-N,N-diphenylamino)phenyl]-10,20-bis[3-(N-ethylcarbazoyl)]porphyrin and its Zn(II) derivative allow the electrochemical formation of conjugated, conducting and stable polymeric films over semitransparent indium–tin oxide surface. The spectral changes observed upon oxidation of the films produced different colorations. The polymeric materials showed the generation of photoinduced charge separation states and charge migration upon porphyrin excitation, making them promising candidates for application in optoelectronics devices.

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► We report here the synthesis and characterization of porphyrin electropolymers.
► An electropolymerization mechanism was proposed and discussed.
► The polymeric films exhibit electrochromic behavior.
► The films showed the generation of charge separation states upon excitation.