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Reductive Electropolymerization of a Vinyl-containing Poly-pyridyl Complex on Glassy Carbon and Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide Electrodes
Published on: January 30, 2015
Electrochromic thin films from a redox active diarylethene by electrochemical polymerization
Chijung Yun1, Seogjae Seo, Eunkyoung Kim
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 262 Seongsanno, Seodaemun-gu, 120-749 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|December 9, 2010
Summary
Researchers developed a new photochromic diarylethene (BTFPP) that can be electrochemically deposited. A PEDOT seeding layer enabled the deposition of BTFPP films and copolymers, creating a novel electrochromic electrode.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Organic Electronics
Background:
- Diarylethenes are known for their photochromic properties.
- Electrochemical deposition offers a route for creating functional thin films.
- Controlling the deposition of diarylethenes is crucial for device fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize a novel diarylethene substituted with 3,4-(propane-1,3-diyldioxy)thiophene (ProDOT) for electrochemical deposition.
- To investigate the photochromic and electrochemical properties of the new diarylethene (BTFPP).
- To explore the use of a PEDOT layer as a seeding layer for BTFPP polymerization and electrodeposition.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of ProDOT-substituted diarylethene (BTFPP).
- Photochromism studies (UV/visible light).
- Electrochemical analysis (cyclic voltammetry).
- Electrochemical deposition on PEDOT-coated electrodes.
- Electro-copolymerization with EDOT.
- Fabrication of electrochromic electrodes on ITO glass.
Main Results:
- BTFPP exhibited reversible photochromism (colorless to purple under UV, bleached by visible light).
- The ProDOT unit lowered the oxidation potential of BTFPP.
- PEDOT nano-layer (68 nm) acted as a seeding layer for insoluble BTFPP film deposition.
- Electro-copolymerization of BTFPP and EDOT on PEDOT was achieved.
- A reversible electrochromic electrode (violet to sky blue) was fabricated using BTFPP on ITO glass.
Conclusions:
- ProDOT-substituted diarylethene (BTFPP) can be electrochemically deposited using a PEDOT seeding layer.
- This method allows for the fabrication of photochromic and electrochromic thin films and devices.
- The developed materials and techniques show promise for applications in electrochromic devices.

