Electrosynthesis and characterization of aminomethyl functionalized PEDOT with electrochromic property

Recent Advances in the Tunable Optoelectromagnetic Properties of PEDOTs

Conducting polymers represent a crucial class of functional materials with widespread applications in diverse fields. Among these, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and its derivatives have garnered significant attention due to their distinctive optical, electronic, and magnetic properties, as well as their exceptional tunability. These properties often exhibit intricate interdependencies, manifesting as synergistic, concomitant, or antagonistic relationships. In optics, PEDOTs are renowned for their high transparency and unique photoelectric responses. From an electrical perspective, they display exceptional conductivity, thermoelectric, and piezoelectric performance, along with notable electrochemical activity and stability, enabling a wide array of electronic applications. In terms of magnetic properties, PEDOTs demonstrate outstanding electromagnetic shielding efficiency and microwave absorption capabilities. Moreover, these properties can be precisely tailored through molecular structure modifications, chemical doping, and composite formation to suit various application requirements. This review systematically examines the mechanisms underlying the optoelectromagnetic properties of PEDOTs, highlights their tunability, and outlines prospective research directions. By providing critical theoretical insights and technical references, this review aims to advance the application landscape of PEDOTs.

Preparation of an Interpenetrating Network of a Poly(ampholyte) and a Cholesteric Polymer and Investigation of Its Hydrochromic Properties

A new water-responsive photonic coating based on a hygroscopic amphoteric poly(ampholyte) has been developed. The material consists of an interpenetrating network between the poly(ampholyte) and a cholesteric liquid crystalline polymer that reflects light. Swelling of this hybrid material upon contact with water causes a red-shift of the reflection band. As both cation and anion are incorporated in the ionic network, this coating possesses a high stability of its water responsiveness after prolonged and/or repeated exposure to water, even if the water contains dissolved ions. In addition, optimization of the water response of the coatings is demonstrated by changing the composition of the base cholesteric mixture, and color patterns were prepared through selective UV exposure.

Enhanced PEDOT adhesion on solid substrates with electrografted P(EDOT-NH2)

Conjugated polymers, such as poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT), have emerged as promising materials for interfacing biomedical devices with tissue because of their relatively soft mechanical properties, versatile organic chemistry, and inherent ability to conduct both ions and electrons. However, their limited adhesion to substrates is a concern for in vivo applications. We report an electrografting method to create covalently bonded PEDOT on solid substrates. An amine-functionalized EDOT derivative (2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-2-yl)methanamine (EDOT-NH₂), was synthesized and then electrografted onto conducting substrates including platinum, iridium, and indium tin oxide. The electrografting process was performed under slightly basic conditions with an overpotential of ~2 to 3 V. A nonconjugated, cross-linked, and well-adherent P(EDOT-NH₂)-based polymer coating was obtained. We found that the P(EDOT-NH₂) polymer coating did not block the charge transport through the interface. Subsequent PEDOT electrochemical deposition onto P(EDOT-NH₂)-modified electrodes showed comparable electroactivity to pristine PEDOT coating. With P(EDOT-NH₂) as an anchoring layer, PEDOT coating showed greatly enhanced adhesion. The modified coating could withstand extensive ultrasonication (1 hour) without significant cracking or delamination, whereas PEDOT typically delaminated after seconds of sonication. Therefore, this is an effective means to selectively modify microelectrodes with highly adherent and highly conductive polymer coatings as direct neural interfaces.