A new processable electrochromic polymer based on an electron deficient fluorene derivative with a high coloration efficiency

A new fluorenone based soluble polymer, namely poly(2,7-bis-(3,3-dihexyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepin-6-yl)-fluoren-9-one) (PPFP), containing propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) as a donor and fluorenone (FO) as an acceptor group is highlighted. Electrochemical polymerization of 2,7-bis-(3,3-dihexyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepin-6-yl)-fluoren-9-one (PFP) was achieved in dichloromethane/acetonitrile mixture with 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate via potential cycling. The polymer shows an electrochromic behavior, a color change from orange to dark blue during oxidation with a high coloration efficiency (422 cm2/C at 684 nm) and orange to yellow during reduction with high optical and electrochemical stability as compared to its close analogues, in addition it is found to be both p and n dopable. Furthermore, this soluble polymer exhibits fluorescent properties (the emission of orange light (578 nm) in THF solution).

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► Electrochemical synthesis and elecroptical properties of a new soluble polymer based on fluorenone and 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene are highlighted.
► The polymer film exhibits reversible electrochromic behavior and both p and n dopable.
► In addition it has high electrochemical stability and coloration efficiency.
► In THF, polymer film emits orange light when excited at 355 nm.