An ambipolar low band gap material based on BODIPY and EDOT

A novel donor–acceptor type conducting polymer based on BODIPY dye as acceptor and EDOT units as donor parts is synthesized electrochemically. The unique combination of BODIPY and EDOT units provides an ambipolar (n- and p-doping processes) low band gap material (4). This is the first example of p–n junction in an organic π-conjugated material where BODIPY unit is incorporated directly in the main chain. Furthermore, the polymer film exhibits electrochromic behavior upon p-doping: a color change from light violet (neutral) to indigo (oxidized).