Solvent resistant electrochromic polymer based on methylene-bridged arylamines

We here report the synthesis and the electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and FT-IR characterization of a novel arylamine electrochromic film. The electron-donating fragments are isolated tetraphenylbenzidine (TPB) groups. The special configuration that perpendicularly binds the triphenylamine units by a tetrahedral carbon prevents orbital interactions between redox fragments and localizes the generated radicals, rendering an efficient electropolymerization process. The polymer film obtained showed reversible electrochemical oxidation accompanied by strong and long-lasting color changes and high insolubility in most solvents once electrodeposited on the electrode surface. We propose a plausible electropolymerization mechanism on the basis of the FT-IR spectra. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.