Double-Electrochromic Coordination Polymer Network Films

Formation and characteristic properties of organized double-electrochromic films consisting of electrochromic poly(4-(2,2′:6,2″-terpyridyl)phenyliminofluorene) (P-1)-zinc ion complexes and electrochromic anions are reported. The anions are 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and poly((4-sulfonatophenyl)iminofluorene) (P-2). The films were prepared upon multiple sequential adsorption of P-1 and the zinc salts of ABTS and P-2 on solid supports using coordinative interactions between the Zn ions and the terpyridine (tpy) ligands. The ABTS and P-2 ions are incorporated in the films via electrostatic forces neutralizing the charge of the complexed divalent zinc (Zn2+) ions. The optical, electrochemical, and electrochromic properties of the films are described. Films consisting of the Zn ion complex of P-1 and ABTS are yellow in the neutral state and change their color to brownish gray and finally blue, if anodically oxidized at ∼640 mV vs FOC. Films containing the Zn ion complex of P-1, ...