A new donor-acceptor type polymeric material from a thiophene derivative and its electrochromic properties

A new electrochromic polymer, poly(2,3,5,8-tetra(thiophen-2-yl)quinoxaline) (PTTQ), was synthesized electrochemically and its electrochromic properties were investigated. The polymer was characterized by Cyclic Voltammetry, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy, LTV-Vis-NIR Spectroscopy, and colorimetry. Spectroelectrochemistry analysis demonstrated that the polymer can undergo both p- and true n-type doping processes. The polymer, (PTTQ), has three accessible color states: an oxidized transmissive, a neutral light bluish-green, and a reduced transmissive light gray. Switching ability of the polymer was evaluated by kinetic studies. The polymer revealed an excellent optical contrast of 98% in the NIR region. Outstanding optical contrast in the NIR region, high stability and fast switching times make this polymer an excellent candidate for NIR device applications. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.