Synthesis of a New Class of Triphenylamine-Containing Poly(ether-imide)s for Electrochromic Applications

A novel triphenylamine (TPA)-containing bis(ether anhydride) monomer, namely 4,4-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)triphenylamine dianhydride, was synthesized and reacted with various aromatic diamines leading to a series of new poly(ether-imide)s (PEI). Most of these PEIs were soluble in organic solvents and could be easily solution cast into flexible and strong films. The polymer films exhibited good thermal stability with glass-transition temperatures in the range 211-299 degrees C. The polymer films exhibited reversible electrochemical processes and stable color changes (from transparent to navy blue) with high coloration efficiency and contrast ratio upon electro-oxidation. During the electrochemical oxidation process, a crosslinked polymer structure was developed due to the coupling reaction between the TPA radical cation moieties in the polymer chains. These polymers can be used to fabricate electrochromic devices with high coloration efficiency, high redox stability, and fast response time. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 825-838