Creation of Organic-Metallic Hybrid Polymers and Their Electrochromic Functions

Abstract

Organic-metallic hybrid polymers are synthesized by self-assembly of organic modules with metal ions such as Fe(II) and Co(II). The resulting polymers have a specific color based on the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption. The electrochromic properties of the hybrid polymers are shown by electrochemical redox of the metal ions in the polymer. The color of the polymers can be controlled by changing the organic modules or metal species. In addition, multi-color electrochromic change of the polymers is achieved by introducing two kinds of metal species into the polymer chain. Electrochromic devices using the hybrid polymers will be applied in manufacturing electronic paper products.