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 polymer's electrochromic properties.