Electrochromic and Photoelectrical Properties of Electrochemically Doped Vinyl Polymers Containing Pendant π-Electron Systems

For the purpose of developing new types of electrically conducting materials, we have studied electrochemical doping of non-conjugated vinyl-type polymers containing pendant π-electron systems, e.g. , poly ( N -vinylcarbazole) (PVCz), poly[4-(diphenylamino)phenylmethyl methacrylate] (PDAPM), etc. , and examined the properties and applications of the doped polymers. The synthesis and properties of novel, electrochemically doped polymers containing wholly π-conjugated linear oligothiophenes with well-defined structures as pendant groups have also been studied. Electrochemically doped, non-conjugated vinyl-type polymers such as PVCz and PDAPM are found to function as photoactive materials for photovoltaic devices. Polymers containing π-conjugated linear oligothiophenes as pendant groups are found to constitute a novel family of potential electrochromic materials.