Enhanced Contrast Ratios and Rapid Switching in Electrochromics Based on Poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) Derivatives

Dark opaque blue to transmissive light blue is the color transition that poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) (PProDOT) and derivatives undergo when switched from their reduced to oxidized state. These polymers are very promising electrochromic materials - they exhibit more rapid switching, lower oxidation potentials, and greater stability than polythiophene. The synthesis and optical properties of the disubstituted derivative PProDOT-Me2 are reported and compared with those of PProDOT-Me and PProDOT. Substitution is found to improve the polymers electrochromic properties.