Photopatterned conjugated polymer electrochromic nanofibers on paper

Abstract

Electrochromic nanofibers of conducting polymer (terthiophene) have been deposited over a conventional paper sheet by means of the electrospinning technique, and subsequently photopatterned by means of UV radiation. The synthesis of a processable precursor copolymer with a norbornylene matrix and pendant units of terthiophene makes the electrospinning process available, and allows for chemical or electrochemical crosslinking of the precursor copolymer to obtain a conducting polymer. The inclusion of photocrosslinkable units (methacrylate) in the precursor copolymer also allows for photopatterning of the material. This was applied to obtain patterns on the paper which can be chemically oxidized or reduced resulting in electrochromic characters. SEM images of the conducting polymer nanofibers together with the cellulose fibers show how these materials can be attached to textile fibers, adding new functionalities that are reminiscent of the chameleonic abilities of some living creatures.