Molecular design of conducting polymer for electrochromic applications

The electrochromism of polyaniline in the near infrared spectral range is studied. Spectroelectrochemical data are used to construct optically monitored cyclic voltamograms (o- CV). Details of the electrochromic effects are clarified by comparing o-CV with the ordinary current monitored cyclic voltamograms (i-CV). Components of Faradaic currents to the cyclic voltamogram can be resolved by comparing o-CV with i-CV. We discuss molecular designs for modifying the properties of polyaniline. By a template-guided polymerization scheme, we synthesize the double strand polymeric complex of polyaniline. The first strand is a conducting polymer and the second strand is a polyelectrolyte. This molecular complex has the advantage of being more stable, more processable than the conventional polyaniline. The double strand molecular complex offers increased flexibility in molecular design of electrochromic and electroactive polymers.