Color combination of polysiloxane polymer by introducing two different triphenylamine based pendent groups for electrochromism

Abstract

A novel triphenylamine (TPA)‐containing polysiloxane (PTPASi) named P(PT‐TB‐TPA)Si has been synthesized through hydrosilylation method by the reaction of poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) with two different TPA‐based alkenes (TPAA) simultaneously for electrochromic application. The thermal stability and cycling stability of the P(PT‐TB‐TPA)Si were enhanced by grafting TPA onto polysiloxane since the force of adhesion between the P(PT‐TB‐TPA)Si film and the ITO substrate can be improved. The morphology of the polymer after electro‐oxidation was investigated and no significant change was observed revealing good stability. Otherwise, the effect of two different TPA‐based alkenes which were introduced into one polymer through covalent bond on cyclic voltammetry and electrochromic spectra was studied. The color of the polymer changed from colorless to red then to deep purple which obeys the color mixing theory and reveals multielectrochromic property. In addition, the potential switching property of the P(PT‐TB‐TPA)Si at the temperature of 150 °C has been investigated. The high thermal stability makes the polymer potential for relatively high temperature and/or long‐term cycling application. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46522.