Designing a Solution Processable Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxyselenophene) Analogue

A new derivative (EDOS–POSS) of 3,4-ethylenedioxyselenophene integrated with alkyl-substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) cage was synthesized and characterized. The electroactive monomer was successfully polymerized via both chemical and electrochemical methods. The obtained polymer called PEDOS–POSS was solution-processable and soluble in common organic solvents like tetrahydrofuran, toluene, dichloromethane, and chloroform. PEDOS–POSS polymer exhibited electrochromic behavior: pure blue when neutralized and highly transparent when oxidized. When compared to the parent PEDOS (1.40 eV with λmax = 673 nm), PEDOS–POSS polymer film has a somewhat higher band gap (1.50 eV with λmax = 668 and 724 nm). Also, PEDOS–POSS exhibited high optical contrast ratio (59%) and coloration efficiency (593 cm2/C for 95% switching) with a low switching time (0.7 s) due to the presence of POSS cage in the polymer backbone. In addition, PEDOS–POSS polymer film was highly robust and stable under ambient conditi...