Tailoring electrochromic properties through discrete electrochromes: Synthesis and characterization of poly[bis(5,2 '-bithiophene-2-yl)dimethylsilane]

A linear polythiophene, poly[bis(5',2'-bithiophene-2-yl)]dimethylsilane, wh ich incorporates silyl bridges in the backbone was synthesized to tailor th e electrochromic properties. Solid-state electrochromic devices comprised o f this polymer as the active material were fabricated and were analyzed fol lowing CIE L*a*b* formalism. By limiting the effective conjugation in the p olymer, its electrochromic properties were deliberately altered to produce a yellow to green color change from its neutral to oxidized state.