Both anodically and cathodically coloring electrochromic polymer based on dithieno[3,4-b,3′,4′-e]-[1,4]-dithiine

In this study poly(dithieno[3,4-b,3′,4′-e]-[1,4]-dithiine) (PDTH) was synthesized potentiodynamically in both p- and n-doping domains in 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate/acetonitrile/borontrifluoride ethylether (8:2, v/v). Resulting homopolymer was characterized via cyclic voltammetry, FTIR and UV–vis Spectroscopy. PDTH revealed both anodically and cathodically coloring electrochromic behavior, upon p- and n-doping, respectively. Spectroelectrochemistry analysis of p-doped polymer, reflected electronic transitions at 450–486, 766 and ∼900 nm, revealing π–π* transition, polaron and bipolaron band formation, respectively. As an anodically coloring material, polymer revealed multi-color electrochromism, exhibiting brick, green and light gray colors. As the cathodically coloring material, color varied between highly transmissive and brown, as such this material exhibits potential controllable states. Switching ability of the polymer was also investigated by a kinetic study upon measuring the %T at the maximum contrast point. Results showed that PDTH is a potential material for electrochromic devices both as anodically and cathodically coloring material.