Blend or copolymer? Spectroelectrochemical evidence of copolymerization or blending two monomer

Abstract

Conducting polymers have attracted great interest due to their ease of synthetic accessibility and modified architecture which can control the polymer properties (i.e., electronic, optical, conductivity, etc.) [1]. These advanced systems can be modified to be amenable for use in the desired application by changing the structure of starting monomers. Blending and copolymerization are another frequently used methods in order to improve the properties of the polymers [2]. A dipyrromethane functionalized monomer; 5-(4-tert-butylphenyl) dipyrromethane (BPDP) was synthesized. Electrochemical polymerization, copolymerization and blending of BPDP with 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) were achieved in LiClO4/AN. Spectral and electrochromic properties of producs are investigated. Spectral properties of copolymer and blend have great differences from each other and corresponding homopolymers. Effects of differentiation feed ratio of monomers on copolymers’ spectral properties are also investigated.