Smart coatings: Nanostructured conjugated polymer network ultrathin film using the precursor polymer approach

Nanostructured conjugated polymer network ultrathin film using the precursor polymer approach was studied. The conjugated polymers are formed in-situ as the monomers are polymerized (radical cation mechanism) and deposited on a conductive electrode. The synthesis of the polymers was done either by polymer analogous reactions or through direct polymerization of vinyl monomers containing electropolymerizable side-groups. The precursor polymers were then crosslinked by electropolymerization and monitored by cyclic voltammetry at various solvents, substrates, solution concentrations, and counter electrolytes. Most of the films investigated showed reversible color changes (electrochromism) during the redox process and CV cycling. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and FTIR spectroscopy and AFM revealed interesting deposition, doping, morphology, and crosslinking chemistry for these conjugated polymer films.