Polymer Reactions of π-Conjugated Polymers by Electrochemical Methods

Abstract

The electron-transfer of π-conjugated polymers on an electrode has been studied in detail in order to use them for conducting and electrochromic materials in electrochemical devices. In this study, we focused on their charged states as an intermediate for subsequent chemical reactions based on the concept of electro-organic synthesis. The post-functionalization of π-conjugated polymers was successfully achieved when a reactive dopant (a counter ion derived from the electrolyte) was used for the electrochemical reactions. For example, anodic halogenation, cathodic reduction, and gradient oxidation on bipolar electrodes could successfully tune the optical and electrochemical properties of the polymers.