Synthetic Design of Dual Polar Side Chain Polymers for Enhancing Electrochromic Performance

• Published in: Macromolecules Vol. 57; no. 14; pp. 6419 - 6428
• Main Authors: Chen, Dinghui, Zhang, Xiaopeng, Xu, Hong, Wang, Meng, Zhu, Meimei, Yang, Menghong, Zhu, Qiang, He, Yaowu, Liu, Zhenguo, Xu, Jianwei, Meng, Hong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 23.07.2024
• ISSN: 0024-9297; 1520-5835
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.4c00423

This work reports the synergistic effect of dual polar (triethylene glycol and ester) side chains in enhancing the electrochromic devices (ECDs) performance of conjugated polymers. By using dual polar side chains instead of alkyl side chains, the cyclic stability of ECDs (PFS-2) achieved an enhancement of more than 1600%, the coloring time was shortened by 58%, coloration efficiency increased by 57%, and the driving voltage was reduced by 25%. This synergistic effect is attributed to the dual polar side chains, which help facilitate charge transport and enhance ion diffusion rates, thereby creating favorable conditions for ion movement. The concept of synergistic promotion of ionic conductivity of conjugated polymers by dual polar side chains has been proposed, paving new pathways for further enhancing the performance of conjugated polymers. This research offers new perspectives on designing materials for advanced ECDs and suggests ways to enhance conjugated polymers for use in adaptive camouflage.