Electrochemistry, morphology, thermoelectric and thermal degradation behaviors of free-standing copolymer films made from 1,12-bis(carbazolyl)dodecane and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene

Donor-Acceptor-Donor Copolymers with 3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene Moiety: Electropolymerization and Effect on Optoelectronic and Electrochromic Properties

Three random copolymers PE- co -M1, PE- co -M2, and PE- co -M3 were obtained by electrochemical polymerization of donor-acceptor-donor monomers M1, M2, and M3 with 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene moiety, respectively, using a 1:1 molar ratio of the corresponding monomers, to find new properties and a more effective way to control the optoelectronic properties in conjugated system. For comparison purpose, polymers P1, P2, and P3 were prepared from the corresponding monomer units M1-M3, respectively, by electrochemical polymerization. We also present efficient synthesis, characterization, and comparative density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the monomers M1-M3 and polymers P1-P3. Cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry, and electrochromic properties of all of the polymers P1-P3 and copolymers PE- co -M1, PE- co -M2, and PE- co -M3 were carried out and a throughout comparison was made. We have shown that electrochemical copolymerization is a powerful strategy to tune the highest occupied molecular orbital energy level, band gap, and color of the copolymer. Thus, this finding clearly indicates that the copolymers show significantly different optoelectronic properties compared to their constituent polymers.

Synthesis and characterization of chiral PEDOT enantiomers bearing chiral moieties in side chains: chiral recognition and its mechanism using electrochemical sensing technology

This manuscript reports a couple of novel polymers of side-chain functionalized PEDOT. The new polymers can be employed to successfully recognize 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine enantiomers and we also discuss the mechanism of chiral recognition.

Nanostructured poly(2,2′-bithiophene-co-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)

This article describes the synthesis and characterization of poly(2,2′-bithiophene) (PBT), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and poly(2,2′-bithiophene- co-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (P(BT- co-EDOT)) copolymers via chemical and electrochemical oxidation polymerization methods. The P(BT- co-EDOT) nanoparticles made of conjugated polymers with different feed ratios of monomers were synthesized by chemical polymerization in the presence of anhydrous ferric chloride and mixtures of acetonitrile (CH3CN) and dichloromethane as a binary organic solvent. The polymers obtained were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and their thermal behaviors were examined by thermogravimetric analysis. The electrical conductivity of the samples was measured using samples in which the conductive materials were sandwiched between two nickel electrodes at room temperature. The surface morphology and crystallinity of the synthesized samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffractometer, respectively. In electrochemical method, copolymer thin films were prepared with different feed ratios of monomers by cyclic voltammetry in an CH3CN-tetrabutheylamonium perchlorate solvent–electrolyte couple on the surface of the glassy carbon microelectrode as the working electrode. Deposition conditions and influence of the molar ratios of monomers on the electroactivity were investigated under cyclic voltammetric conditions.

Organic thermoelectric materials: emerging green energy materials converting heat to electricity directly and efficiently

The abundance of solar thermal energy and the widespread demands for waste heat recovery make thermoelectric generators (TEGs) very attractive in harvesting low-cost energy resources. Meanwhile, thermoelectric refrigeration is promising for local cooling and niche applications. In this context there is currently a growing interest in developing organic thermoelectric materials which are flexible, cost-effective, eco-friendly and potentially energy-efficient. In particular, the past several years have witnessed remarkable progress in organic thermoelectric materials and devices. In this review, thermoelectric properties of conducting polymers and small molecules are summarized, with recent progresses in materials, measurements and devices highlighted. Prospects and suggestions for future research efforts are also presented. The organic thermoelectric materials are emerging candidates for green energy conversion.