On-substrate polymerization – a versatile approach for preparing conjugated polymers suitable as electrochromes and for metal ion sensing

Abstract

A series of conjugated polyazomethines were prepared using an on-substrate method for their direct immobilization on transparent electrodes. The electrochemical properties of the polymers were assessed for determining the ideal monomers and optimal polymer thickness required for reversible electrochemical oxidation. The condensation of complementary 4,4′-triphenylamine dialdehyde derivatives and 2,5-diaminopyridine led to polyazomethines of 300–400 nm thickness having reversible electrochromic and selective metal ion sensing properties.