A Novel Near-IR Effective Pyrene-Based Donor-Acceptor Electrochrome

Sefer E., HACIOGLU S. O., Tonga M., TOPPARE L., ÇIRPAN A., KOYUNCU S.

MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, vol.216, no.8, pp.829-836, 2015 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 216 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/macp.201400584
  • Journal Name: MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.829-836
  • Keywords: NIR electrochromic polymers, planar structure, pyrenes, CONDUCTING POLYMERS, DOPED POLYACETYLENE, OPTICAL-PROPERTIES, DEVICES, POLYTHIOPHENE, FILMS, DERIVATIVES, MOIETIES, STORAGE, POLYPYRROLE
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this work, a novel donor-acceptor electrochromic monomer (3HTP), containing a pyrene subunit connected to a quinoxaline acceptor bridge, is synthesized. The corresponding polymer, poly-(3HTP), is directly deposited onto an indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass surface via an electrochemical process. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images reveal that the electrochemically deposited poly-(3HTP) has a smooth surface due to self-assembly of the planar pyrene subunit. Electrochemical and optical properties are investigated via cyclic voltammetry and UV-vis absorption measurements. The polymer film shows a multielectrochromic feature at both anodic and cathodic regimes. Poly-(3HTP) exhibits a strong near-infrared (NIR) absorption at the oxidized state with an optical contrast of 88% (at 1800 nm), a very fast response time of 0.5 s and fast switching times, and long-term stability. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the molecule has a high planarity, and the NIR absorption arises from a strong intramolecular charge transfer from the polymer backbone to the planar pyrene subunit.