Development of nanostructured blends of electrochromic polymers formed by s
elf-assembly is reported. We have prepared blends of a polythiophene deriva
tive. poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and polypyrrole, combining optical a
nd electrochemical properties of the two polymers. The route towards these
blends is based on self-assembly of the former polymer into a hydrogel, and
subsequent electrochemical polymerisation of the latter using the conducti
ng hydrogel matrix as a template. When used as electrodes, these materials
show very fast electrochromic response. The route used in the present work
is generic and may be extended to other polymers. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science
Ltd. All rights reserved.