The Knorr-Paal reaction of 1,4-di(2-thienyl)-1,4-butanedione with aniline to yield 1-phenyl-2,5-di(2-thienyl)-1H-pyrrole (PTP) was performed in the presence of catalytical amounts of p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). Chemical polymerization of the monomer yielded a soluble polymer. Structures of both the monomer and the polymer were investigated by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H and 13C NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The average molecular weight of the chemically synthesized polymer was determined by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) as Mn = 7.2 x 103 g/mol. The electrochemical oxidative polymerization of PTP was carried out via potentiodynamic electrolysis in the presence of LiClO4, NaClO4 (1:1) being the supporting electrolyte in acetonitrile. Electrochemical copolymerization of PTP with 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) was carried out in acetonitrile (ACN)/ NaClO4/LiClO4 (0.1M) solvent-electrolyte couple system via potentiodynamic electrolysis. Cyclic voltammetry was used to investigate electrochemical behavior of the monomer and redox reactions of conducting polymers. Conductivities of films of the polymers were measured by four-probe technique. Surface morphologies of the films were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Electrochromic properties of the conducting polymers were investigated via spectroelectrochemistry, kinetic and colorimetry studies. Spectroelectrochemical analysis of P(PTP) revealed electronic transitions at 413, 600 and 900 nm corresponding to &amp / #960 / -&amp / #960 / * transition, polaron, and bipolaron band formations, respectively. The spectroelectrochemical behavior of the P(PTP-co-EDOT) in comparison to those of the respective homopolymers revealed solid evidence of copolymerization based upon the differences in the spectral signatures. Switching time of the polymers was evaluated by kinetic studies upon measuring the percent transmittance (%T) at the maximum contrast point. As an application, absorption/transmission type electrochromic devices with ITO/homopolymer(copolymer)/gel electrolyte/PEDOT/ITO configuration was constructed, where homopolymer (copolymer) and PEDOT functioned as the anodically and the cathodically coloring layers, respectively. Spectroelectrochemistry, switching ability and open circuit memory of the devices were investigated. The results revealed that these devices have good switching times, reasonable contrasts and optical memories.

2,3-Dihydro-5-(10-(2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)anthracen-9-yl)thieno [3,4-b][1,4]dioxine (DTAT) was synthesized via linking 3,4-ethylenedioxy thiophene (EDOT) on anthracene by Stille coupling. Homopolymer P(DTAT) was achieved by electrochemical techniques. The polymer, P(DTAT) was electrosynthesized by anodic oxidation of the corresponding monomer in the presence of 0.1 M LiClO4 as the supporting electrolyte in acetonitrile (ACN) solution. Copolymer of DTAT in the presence of EDOT was synthesized via potentiodynamic method in ACN/LiClO4 (0.1 M) solvent-electrolyte couple. Structural characterizations of the sample was carried out via 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Electrochemical behaviors of the monomer and polymers were determined by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). Electrochromic and spectroelectrochemical behavior of the polymers were investigated on ITO glass electrode, and their ability of employment in device construction was examined. Spectroelectrochemistry analysis of P(DTAT) revealed an electronic transition at 505 nm corresponding to &amp / #960 / -&amp / #960 / * transition with a band gap of 1.57 eV. In order to investigate electronic structure of the copolymers obtained by different applied potentials, spectroelectrochemistry studies were performed. Electrochromic investigations showed that P(DTAT) switches between yellow and blue while P(DTAT-co-EDOT) was found to be multichromic, switching between claret red neutral state, a gray and a red intermediate state, and a blue oxidized state. Switching time of the polymers was evaluated by a kinetic study upon measuring the percent transmittance (%T) at the maximum contrast point. Dual type polymer electrochromic devices (ECDs) based on P(DTAT-co-EDOT) with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) were constructed. Spectroelectrochemistry and electrochromic switching of the device was studied. They were found to have good switching times and reasonable contrasts.

A novel electrically conducting polymer, poly(2-dodecyl-4,7-di(selenophen-2-yl)benzotriazole) (Poly(SBT)), containing selenophene as a strong donor and benzotriazole as a strong acceptor group was synthesized by electrochemical polymerization. Homopolymerization and copolymerization ( in the presence of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) ) was achieved in acetonitrile/ dichloromethane(95/5 v/v) with 0.1M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAPF6). The electrochemical and optical properties of homopolymer and copolymer were investigated by Cyclic voltammetry, UV-Vis, near IR Spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry studies demonstrated that homopolymer can be reversibly reduced and oxidized (both n- and p-doped) between -1.9 V and 1.4 V, at a scan rate of 100 mV/s. Optical contrast was calculated as 32% and 56% with a switching time of 2.4 s and 0.4 s at 511 and 1200 nm respectively. Poly(SBT) exhibits a &amp / #955 / max value of 511nm and a band gap of 1.67eV.

A novel electroactive monomer 5,8-Di(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-2, 3-di(thiophen-2-yl) quinoxaline (PTQ) was successfully synthesized via Stille Coupling reaction between quinoxaline and pyrrole. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR) and Mass spectroscopy were used to characterize the monomer. The monomer was electrochemically polymerized in the presence of tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) as supporting electrolyte in dichloromethane. Monomer reveals relatively low oxidation potential at +0.70V. Spectroelectrochemical behaviors and switching ability of homopolymer were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Two &amp / #960 / -&amp / #960 / * transitions were observed at 400 nm and 815 nm with a low band gap, 1.0 eV. Polymer possesses 66% optical contrast in the Near IR region, which may be promising in NIR electrochromic device applications. Spectroelectrochemical behaviors and switching ability of copolymers were investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Copolymers of PTQ in the presence of BiEDOT and BEBT were synthesized via potentiodynamic method in DCM/TBAP (0.1 M) solvent-electrolyte couple. P(PTQ-co-BiEDOT) reveals oxidation potential at +0.45V, whereas P(PTQ-co-BEBT) reveals oxidation potential at +0.70V. The spectroelectrochemical behavior of the P(PTQ-co-BiEDOT) and P(PTQ-co-BEBT) in comparison to homopolymer revealed solid evidence of copolymerization based upon the differences in the spectral signatures. Switching time of the polymers was evaluated by kinetic studies upon measuring the percent transmittance (%T) at the maximum contrast point.

A new polythiophene derivative, poly-2,3-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)-5,8-bis(4-hexylthiophen-2-yl)quinoxaline PHTQ was synthesized by both chemical and electrochemical polymerization and its electrochemical properties were reported. The monomer was electrochemically polymerized in the presence of tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate(TBAPF6) as the supporting electrolyte in dichloromethane-acetonitrile (5:95, v:v). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR, 13C-NMR) was utilized for the characterization of the monomer and the soluble polymer. The polymer was further characterized by Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Spectroelectrochemistry and switching ability of the polymer were investigated by UV&ndash / vis spectrophotometer and cyclic voltammetry. The polymer revealed three distinctive colors upon doping which indicated that the polymer is multichromic. Tert-butyl group on the pendant phenyl rings and hexyl groups on thiophene enhanced the solution processability of the electrochromic polymer. The electrochemical and spectral properties of the chemically synthesized polymer were investigated via spray coating on ITO glass slides. Electrochemical copolymerization of 2,3-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)-5,8-bis(4-hexylthiophen-2-yl) quinoxaline (HTQ) with 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene(EDOT) was performed to fulfill a strategy in achieving fine-tuned electrochromic properties. The copolymer, P(HTQ-co-EDOT) was characterized via detailed studies of cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry. Band gap (Eg) of the copolymer was calculated as 1.4 eV and showed 34 % optical contrast with switching times less than 1 second.

Cholesterol and ethanol biosensors based on conducting polypyrrole (PPy), poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxypyrrole) (PEDOP) were constructed. Cholesterol oxidase (ChOx, from Pseudomonas fluorescens) and alcohol oxidase (AlcOx, from Pichia pastoris) were physically entrapped during electropolymerization of the monomers (Py, EDOT, EDOP) in phosphate buffer containing sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) as the supporting electrolyte. The amperometric responses of the enzyme electrodes were measured monitoring oxidation current of H2O2 at +0.7 V in the absence of a mediator. Kinetic parameters, such as Km and Imax, operational and storage stabilities, effects of pH and temperature were determined for all entrapment supports. Based on Michaelis-Menten (Km) constants, it can be interpreted that both enzymes immobilized in PEDOT showed the highest affinities towards their substrates. Before testing the alcohol biosensors on alcoholic beverages, effects of interferents (glucose, acetic acid, citric acid, L-ascorbic acid) which might be present in beverages were determined. The alcohol content of the distilled beverages (vodka, dry cin, whisky, raki) was measured with these biosensors. A good match with the chromatography results (done by the companies) was observed.

In this thesis, six different biosensors based on conducting polymers of poly 4-(2,5-di(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-pyrrole-1-l) benzenamine [poly(SNSNH2)] and poly(1- (4-nitrophenyl)-2,5-di(2-thienyl)-1H-pyrrole [poly(SNSNO2)] were prepared. Electrochemical technique was used for polymerization of conducting polymers and two different immobilization techniques / crosslinking and adsorption were used for immobilizing enzyme or microbial in the conducting polymer matrices. The proposed biosensors were characterized and optimized. Optimum pH, thickness of conducting polymer and biological material amount were determined. Linearity, repeatability and operational stability experiments were performed. Carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles were also added to the biosensing system to see the effects of nanoparticles. The biosensors also used for ethanol and/or glucose biosensing in commercial samples. In the first part of thesis, a biosensor was designed by immobilizing Gluconobacter oxydans in poly(SNSNH2) matrix on graphite electrode. The biosensor preparation method was a two-step procedure where the cells were immobilized by adsorption on the surface after the electropolymerization step.Use of dialysis membrane to cover the surface after immobilization conserves the bioactive surface during the operation. The preparation is simple and not time consuming. Systems proposed showed good linearity and repeatability as well as high operational stability. Glucose amount in fruit juice, ethanol amount in vodka and whisky were determined. In the second part of thesis, a second biosensor was designed with electrochemical polymerization of 1-(4-nitrophenyl)-2,5-di(2-thienyl)- 1H-pyrrole via cyclic voltammetry on graphite electrode. Afterwards, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Gluconobacter oxydans were immobilized successfully on the conducting polymer matrix separately. The proposed biosensors showed good linear range, and repeatability as well as high operational stability. In the third and fourth parts, gold nanoparticle and carbon nanotube effects were studied on poly(SNSNH2)/glucose oxidase biosensor, respectively. Covalent binding of glucose oxidase was achieved to poly(SNSNH2) by the help of glutaraldehyde on the top of graphite and carbon paste electrodes. Nanoparticle amount and optimum pH were determined for both biosensors. After analytical characterization, glucose amount in two fruit juices were determined with poly(SNSNH2)/GOx/AuNP and poly(SNSNH2)/ GOx/CNT biosensors. In the last part, biosensor was designed with immobilizing alcohol oxidase in poly(SNSNH2) matrix via crosslinking with glutaraldehyde on platinum electrode. The proposed biosensor was characterized and optimized in terms of thickness, enzyme loading, pH, AuNPs, CNTs, linear range, repeatability and operational stability.

Intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) with high mechanical strength and electrical conductivity are attractive for several applications spanning the fields of energy, defense, and transportation. Electrochemically processed polythiophene (PTh) films are a class of ICPs that have been demonstrated recently to possess electrical conductivities as high as 1,300 S/cm and be stronger than common types of processed aluminum foils. While these results are promising, the electrical conductivity of PTh is still low compared to metals and the effects of important process conditions such as electrode resistance, distance between working and counter electrodes, and thiophene concentration on the structure and physical properties of electrochemically processed PTh films must be investigated in detail. In this work, electrode resistance and inter-electrode distance were demonstrated to be inversely proportional to the charge efficiency for PTh film growth. A critical concentration of thiophene that produced films with the highest conductivity was also revealed. Anionic surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium dodeclybenzene sulfonate (SDBS) were used, with and without a proton scavenger, in the Lewis acid boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (BFEE) electrolyte, which allows polymerization of thiophene at low oxidation potentials, to enhance the ordering and conjugation length of PTh through stabilization of the radical cation of thiophene via the dodecyl chain of the anionic surfactants. X-ray diffraction spectra revealed enhanced order and packing when surfactant was used during the processing of PTh films, and measured electrical conductivities were increased by as much as 300% because of the surfactant-mediated structural improvements. Necking behavior observed in tensile test of PTh films with anionic surfactant additives also suggests chain alignment and increased chain length.

<p>All conducting polymers are potentially electrochromic, owing to the injection of charge carriers that changes their electronic structure and results in a shift of their optical absorption towards higher wavelengths. PEDOT-PSS and PEDOT-S are very promising materials in terms of electrochromic properties, due to the good contrast existing between their doped and undoped forms. However this contrast has to be enhanced in order to design more efficient electrochromic devices, and new solutions should thus be found in order to solve this issue.</p><p>Surface plasmons are described as electromagnetic waves propagating along the surface between a dielectric and a metal. Coupled to an incident radiation, they create an energy loss in the light transmitted and reflected by the interface. When the metallic surface is periodically corrugated, this absorption phenomenon due to plasmonic resonance occurs at a specific wavelength that depends on several parameters, such as the incidence angle, the dielectric constants of the two media and the grating period. By coating metallic gratings with electrochromic polymers, we may thus be able to trigger a plasmonic absorption at a given wavelength and shift it upon reduction or oxidation of the material.</p><p>Electrochromic devices consisting of PEDOT-PSS or PEDOT-S spin-deposited on gold and silver gratings were investigated by UV-visible reflectance measurements. The periodically corrugated structures were reproduced from commercial gratings by soft nanolithography and were analyzed by AFM. Some electrochromic cells exhibited new colors or a high shift of the plasmonic resonance upon redox switching of the polymer film. Depending on the step and the nature of the grating employed, this shift could reach 20 nm in the case of PEDOT-PSS and more than 100 nm for PEDOT-S. A theoretical model was found to predict the wavelength of plasmonic excitation and the orientation of the shift.</p>

Conducting metallopolymers possess attractive electronic properties for use in sensors, photoelectronic devices, catalysts, and other applications. Modification of the conducting polymer backbone, through chemical or electrochemical methods, enables control of catalytic, electronic, and optical properties of the metal via inductive modulation of the electron density. Understanding in detail the relationship between the metal and polymer backbone could lead to more effective metallopolymer materials. We hope to study this relationship by probing the band gaps, excited state energy levels, catalytic activity, and sensor function in four metallopolymer systems. Devices with sub-stochiometric ratios of Cu2ZnSnS4 NPs (CZTS: (Cu2Sn)1-xZn1/xS)(0≥x≥0.75)) grown in Cu(II) conducting metallopolymers were produced to study band gap tuning in hybrid materials. The valence and conductance bands of CZTS (x = 0.60) aligned with the HOMO/LUMO of the Cu(II) metallopolymer. Changing the alignment facilitated charge transfer in the hybrid material, leading to photovoltaic materials with efficiencies of ~0.1%. Chemoresistive ionophore sensors were developed by incorporating selective binding groups, such as thiourea, into conducting polymer backbones. Thiourea monomers and polymers showed high selectivity for Pb(II) ions over many competitive ions. XPS experiments demonstrated that reversible chelation of Pb(II) ions could be achieved through a simple uptake/rinse process. The conductivity of the thiourea polymer increased fifty-fold, from 7.75×10−2 S/cm2 to 3.5 S/cm2, after Pb(II) exposure. Sensitivity measurements indicated the sensors have limits of detection near 10−10 M. Highly conjugated ligands were synthesized to explore effective sensitization of visible and near-IR emitting lanthanides. (3,4-ethylenedioxy)thiophene was appended to dipyridophenazine and dipyridoquinoxaline to introduce a group that could be easily electropolymerized. These bi-functional ligands emitted from π-π* and an inter-ligand charge transfer excited states, and therefore, two distinct triplet states were observed. These separate energy pathways allowed for efficient sensitization of both visible (Tb(III), Eu(III), Dy(III)) and near-IR emitting (Nd(III), Yb(III), Er(III)) ions. Finally, we explored the oxidation of a rhodium-containing conducting metallopolymer and the subsequent effect on the activity of the metal center. Oxidation of the backbone led to ancillary ligand attenuation, allowing for control of the catalytically active species in the conducting metallopolymer. Rh(I,III) monomer and metallopolymer catalytic studies showed potential for new heterogenous/homogeneous hybrid catalysts. / text