Electrochemistry of Poly(3,4-alkylenedioxythiophene) Derivatives

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) Vol. 15; no. 11; pp. 855 - 879
• Main Authors: Groenendaal, L., Zotti, G., Aubert, P.-H., Waybright, S.M., Reynolds, J.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 05-06-2003; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• Subjects: 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT; Chemical sensors; Electrochemical synthesis; Electrochemistry; Electrochromism; Electropolymerization; Optical properties; Poly; Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT); Polythiophenes
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.200300376

An overview of the electrochemistry of poly(3,4‐alkylenedioxythiophene)s (PXDOTs) is presented. As a class of conducting and electroactive polymers that can exhibit high and quite stable conductivities, a high degree of optical transparency as a conductor, and the ability to be rapidly switched between conducting doped and insulating neutral states, PXDOTs have attracted attention across academia and industry. Numerous fundamental aspects are addressed here in detail, ranging from the electrochemical synthesis of PXDOTs, a variety of in‐situ characterization techniques, the broad array of properties accessible, and morphological aspects. Finally, two electrochemically‐driven applications, specifically electrochromism and chemical sensors of PXDOTs are discussed.
The electrochemistry of one of the most important classes of electrically and optically active polymers, poly(3,4‐alkylenedioxythiophene)s, is reviewed. In addition to an extensive overview of the electrochemical synthesis and characterization, the electrical and optical properties of the polymer films attained are described, along with structural and morphological aspects.