Conjugated Polyelectrolytes as Water Processable Precursors to Aqueous Compatible Redox Active Polymers for Diverse Applications: Electrochromism, Charge Storage, and Biocompatible Organic Electronics

Abstract

An organic soluble precursor polymer was prepared by direct (hetero)arylation polymerization of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) with a solubilizing, 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) derivative bearing ester-functionalized side chains. Chemical defunctionalization of the polymer, using base to hydrolyze the esters, yields a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) that is readily soluble in water. This aqueous soluble CPE can then be processed using high-throughput coating methods from water-based inks. Postprocessing functionalization of the polymer film using dilute acid creates a solvent resistant film that is compatible with both organic and aqueous electrolyte systems for redox switching. The introduction of an unfunctionalized EDOT unit results in a soluble polymer that has a low oxidation potential and that is highly electroactive and pseudocapacitive in a wide voltage range (2 V in propylene carbonate-based electrolytes and 1.55 V in aqueous electrolytes) making it an attractive material for lightwei...