Thesis (Ph. D.)--Carleton University, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in electronic format on the Internet.

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 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.

Synthesis and characterization of thiophene ended poly-&amp / #949 / -caprolactone (PCL) and oxalic acid dithiophen-3-yl methyl ester (ODME) and their copolymers with both pyrrole and thiophene were achieved. Chemical structure of the precursor polymer and monomer were investigated Redox behavior of polymer and monomers were determined by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). Structural characterization of samples were carried out by 1H, 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Conductivities of the films were measured by using four probe technique. Thermal analyses of conducting copolymers were investigated via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermal Gravimetry Analysis (TGA). The morphologies of the copolymer films were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Electrochromic and spectroelectrochemical behavior of the copolymers were investigated, and their ability of employment in device construction has been examined.

2,5-Di(thiophen-2-yl)-1-p-tolyl-1H-pyrrole (DTTP) was synthesized via reaction of 1,4-di(2-thienyl)-1,4-butanedione with p-toluidine in the presence of catalytical amount of p-toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA). Homopolymer P(DTTP) was achieved both by chemical and electrochemical techniques. Chemical polymerization of the monomer yielded a soluble polymer. The average molecular weight was determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) as Mn: 2.5x103 g/mol. The monomer was electrochemically polymerized in the presence of LiClO4, NaClO4 (1:1) as the supporting electrolyte in acetonitrile. Copolymer of DTTP in the presence of EDOT was synthesized via potentiodynamic method in ACN/ NaClO4/LiClO4 (0.1 M) solvent-electrolyte couple. Structural characterizations of samples were carried out via 1H, 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Electrochemical behaviors of monomer and polymers were determined by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). The morphologies of the polymer films were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Conductivities of the films were measured by four probe technique. Electrochromic and spectroelectrochemical behavior of the polymers coated on ITO glass electrode were investigated, and their ability of employment in device construction was examined. Spectroelectrochemistry analysis of P(DTTP) revealed an electronic transition at 428 nm corresponding to &amp / #1087 / &amp / #8211 / &amp / #1087 / * transition with a band gap of 2.1 eV whereas P(DTTP-co-EDOT) revealed an electronic transition at 448 nm corresponding to &amp / #1087 / - &amp / #1087 / * transition with a band gap of 1.8 eV. Electrochromic investigations showed that P(DTTP) switches between greenish yellow and blue while P(DTTP-co-EDOT) was found to be multichromic, switching between red, yellow and blue. 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(DTTP) and P(DTTP-co-EDOT) with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) were constructed. Spectroelectrochemistry, electrochromic switching and open circuit stability of the devices were studied. They were found to have good switching times, reasonable contrasts and optical memories.

One of the world’s largest energy user is the building sector, where much of the energy goes to cooling of buildings. There is need for novel technology to reduce this energy usage, and one way is to install electrochromic windows. They have the ability to vary the transmittance of visible and infrared light by the application of a small electrical voltage, and hence to save large amounts of energy and money and to increase indoor comfort by avoiding strong glares from sunlight. This study concentrates on thin-film electrochromic devices that are based on flexible polyester foils. The conventional design is to make rectangular devices with contacts placed on transparent conductor layers opposite of each other. An electric potential is applied between the contacts, generating an electric field which causes ions to move between films of electrochromic active materials. Since there is an interest on the market for electrochromic windows of other geometries, such as triangular, there is a need to know how to place the contacts in order to obtain a rapid and uniform colouring and bleaching of the device. In order to investigate this, a mathematical model describing the current distribution over the device is a great tool. The model used in this study takes secondary current distribution into account, which includes ohmic effects and electrode kinetics, but neglects diffusive effects due to the assumption that the electrolyte is homogeneous. It describes the two dimensional ohmic flow through the transparent conductor films, the local current due to electrochemical effects in the electrochromic active materials, and a correlation between the optical properties and the injected charge over time. The model is simulated using FlexPDE, which solves the system of differential equations using a Finite Elements Method (FEM). To adjust model parameters, model simulation results are compared to experimental data from rectangular electrochromic devices. Initially, experiments are done on small are devices on which current distribution effects are small. The model is then further developed and validated using large area rectangular devices with 67 cm between the contacts. The model is shown to meet the aims of this study, which is to obtain a simulation tool which can predict the trend in the transmittance distribution. The strength of having this model at hands is that it becomes possible to simulate the transmittance behaviour over time for full size electrochromic windows of different geometries, without having to manufacture expensive devices for experiments. It provides a great design tool for optimizing a rapid and uniform colouring and bleaching, and to investigate how to reduce material costs without affecting performance too much. In this study an example which shows the strength of the model is given. The placement of contacts and its effect on the transmittance distribution in triangular electrochromic windows is examined. It shows that the current distribution model enables time-efficient and cheap design of electrochromic windows.

Square planar metal bis-dithiolenes are interesting targets for incorporation into electronic and optoelectronic devices as they characteristically display multiple stable redox states, coupled with strong absorption at particularly low energies. This work focuses on novel methods for the formation of thin films of metal bis-dithiolenes for incorporation into devices. The synthesis, structure and spectroscopic properties of a novel class of polymerisable heteroleptic nickel dithiolene complex, containing pendent thiophene units, [Ni(R2pipdt)(b-3ted)] are described [R = Bz (3a), iPr (3b); pipdt = piperazine- 3,2-dithione; b-3ted = bis-(3-thienyl)-1,2-ethylenedithiolene]. Electrooxidation of (3a) showed it to incorporate into a polymeric film over an electrode surface, which consisted of intact dithiolene units, by covalent linking of the pendent thienyl groups. This polymer film showed some redox activity, with the intense, low energy, absorption red-shifted by 4360 cm-1. Co-polymerisation of (3a) with thiophene yielded a highly conductive film, with the intense, low energy, absorption red-shifted to a lesser extent (3500 cm-1). The films displayed interesting optical properties, however, their use was restricted by their poor redox activity, thought to be due to poor ion transport through the films. The synthesis of two novel dithiolene ligand systems, containing pendent polymerisable indolyl groups (mi-5edt and mi-5hdt), are described, and their incorporation into complexes investigated for nickel [Ni(mi-5edt)2 (6) and Ni(mi-5hdt)2 (8)], and copper f[Cu(mi-5edt)2][TMA] ([7][TMA]) and [Cu(mi-5hdt)2][TMA] ([9][TMA])g investigated [(mi-5edt) = 1-(N-methylindol-5-yl)-ethane-1,2-dithiolate and (mi-5hdt) = 1- (N-methylindol-5-yl)-hex-1-ene-1,2-dithiolate, TMA = tetramethylammonium]. Each complex was characterised in terms of its structure, redox and optical properties, and the effect of the ligand design, and the metal centre, compared. The complexes of nickel were shown to yield polymer films under electrooxidative conditions, through covalent linking of the indolyl groups, with superior redox activity to 3a, and with an equally intense low energy absorption. The monoanionic complexes of copper were shown to deposit, under electrooxidative conditions, as neutral molecular films that were otherwise unobtainable by conventional solution techniques. The incorporation of the more soluble novel indolyl functionalised nickel dithiolene 8 into electronic devices was investigated. Electrochromic devices were formed using poly- 8 as the active layer. The devices were able to switch their optical absorption profile at 860 nm through three absorbing states by application of a suitable potential difference across the film. Field-effect transistors were fabricated using a molecular film of 8 as the active layer. The devices showed ambipolar charge transport properties, though with a bias for n-channel operation, with mobilities μ ≈ 1 x 10-4 cm2V-1s-1. Photovoltaic devices were formed from a blended film of 8 with P-3HT and with MDMO-PPV [P-3HT = regioregular poly-3-hexylthiophene, MDMO-PPV = poly(2-methoxy-5- (3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylene-vynylene)]. 8 was shown to contribute to the photocurrent at wavelengths beyond the polymer component, thus harvesting more visible light, however efficiencies below 0.1 % suggested inefficient charge transport by 8 in the film. Structurally continuous films of Ni(b-3ted)2 (10) could be formed by a process of electrodeposition. The formed films displayed conductivities 40 times greater than for conventional solution cast films. By a detailed study of the level of residual ion doping, the molecular packing, and the morphology of the films, this improved performance was attributed to the formation of a more dense polycrystalline array, with larger crystallites, which formed good electronic contact with the electrodes, and with each other. This electrodeposition technique was used to fabricate field-effect transistors from 10. The devices showed poor mobilities (μ ≈ 1 x 10 -8 cm2V-1s-1), owing to the poor intermolecular overlap of the dithiolene units in the solid-state, but suggested this technique to be suitable for a wide range of semiconductors, with more favourable electronic properties, as an alternative to conventional vapour or solution deposition.

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados do preparo e caracterização de janelas eletrocrômicas (ECD) contendo filmes finos de WO3 como camada eletrocrômica, CeO2-TiO2 como contra-eletrodo e eletrólitos a base de polímeros naturais plastificados. Os filmes finos de CeO2-TiO2 e WO3 foram preparados pelo processo sol-gel e usados para montagem de dispositivos (janelas) eletrocrômicas com variados eletrólitos poliméricos. Os filmes finos e as janelas foram caracterizados através de medidas de densidade de carga, voltametria cíclica e transmitância. Os filmes de CeO2-TiO2 e WO3 apresentaram respectivamente, valores de densidade de carga de 11,8 e 27,8 mC/cm2, e razão de carga anódica/catódica de 0,98 e 0,85. As análises voltamétricas dos filmes finos revelaram picos característicos dos processos de oxidação e redução e as análises espectroscópicas a transmitância de 80 e 78 %, respectivamente. Foram preparadas e caracterizadas janelas com eletrólitos a base de gelatina com ácido acético; gelatina com LiI/I2; gelatina com agar; gelatina com líquidos iônicos; gelatina com líquidos iônicos e triflato de európio; poli(vinil butirato) (PVB) com LiI/I2; PVB com LiClO4; agar com LiClO4; agar com líquidos iônicos; DNA; DNA com LiClO4; DNA-cloreto de hexadeciltrimetilamônio (DNA-CTMA) com azul da Prússia; DNA com PEDOT:PSS (poli(3,4-etilenodioxitiofeno):poli(sulfonato de estireno)); DNA-CTMA com PEDOT:PSS. Os melhores resultados de densidade de carga de 5,4 e 6,0 mC/cm2 foram obtidas para os dispositivos com eletrólitos de gelatina com agar e agar com LiClO4. A razão de carga anódica/catódica desses dispositivos foi de 0,98 e 0,99. Os voltamogramas cíclicos das amostras estudadas revelaram picos anódicos e catódicos referentes à extração e inserção de íons lítio e elétrons no filme de WO3. As análises de transmitância em 550 nm entre o estado colorido e descolorido das janelas mostrou os valores de 28% para a janela contendo eletrólito a base de PVB com LiI/I2. Além disso, também foi verificada a estabilidade dos dispositivos revelando a duração entre 100 a 400 ciclos cronoamperometricos, dependendo do eletrólito usado. Os resultados obtidos mostram que as janelas estudadas são potenciais candidatas às aplicações práticas. / This work presents the results of the preparation and characterization of electrochromic windows (ECD) containing thin films of WO3 as electrochromic layer, CeO2-TiO2 as the counter electrode and natural polymer-based electrolytes. Thin films of CeO2-TiO2 and WO3 were prepared by the sol-gel process and used to assembly the electrochromic devices (windows) with different polymer electrolytes. The thin films and windows samples were characterized by charge density, cyclic voltammetry and transmittance measurements. CeO2-TiO2 and WO3 thin films revealed charge density values of 11.8 and 27.8 mC/cm2, and anodic/cathodic charge relation of 0.98 and 0.85, respectively. The cyclic voltammograms revealed the peaks characteristic of the processes of oxidation and reduction and the spectroscopic analysis the transmittance of 80 and 78%, respectively. Electrochromic windows were assembled with electrolytes based on gelatin with acetic acid; gelatina with LiI/I2, gelatin with agar, gelatin with ionic liquids, gelatin with ionic liquids and europium triflate, PVB (poly (vinyl butyrate)) with LiI/I2; PVB with LiClO4; agar with LiClO4, agar with ionic liquids; DNA, DNA with LiClO4; DNA-CTMA (hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride) with Prussian Blue; DNA with PEDOT:PSS (poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonate) ) and DNA-CTMA with PEDOT: PSS. The best results of charge density of 5.4 and 6.0 mC/cm2 and anodic/cathodic charge relations of 0.98 and 0.99 were obtained for the samples containing electrolytes based on gelatin with agar and agar with LiClO4, respectively. The cyclic voltammograms of the electrochromic windows showed cathodic and anodic peaks related to the insertion and extraction of lithium ions and electrons in the film of WO3. The transmittance measurements at 550 nm revealed 28% between the colored and discolored state of the windows with PVB-LiI/I2 electrolyte. Moreover, the stability measurements showed that the ECD remain their transmittance difference during of 100 to 400 of chronoaperometric cycling, depending on the electrolyte used. The obtained results indicate the possibility of use the naturalmacromolecules-based electrolytes in practical electrochromic windows.

Os polímeros naturais e macromoléculas, como polissacarídeos, gelatina e DNA têm atraído recentemente a atenção significativa da comunidade científica por suas propriedades estruturais e elétricas. O ácido desoxiribonucleico (DNA) possui propriedades eletrolíticas que aumentam quando dissolvido em água, isso ocorre devido à presença de átomos facilmente ionizáveis, tais como prótons e/ou íons sódio. Membranas ionicamente condutoras à base de DNA plastificadas com glicerol/ polietileno glicol (PEG) e contendo polímeros condutores, tais como, PEDOT:PSS (poli (3,4- etilenodioxitiofeno)): poli(estireno sulfonato), POEA (poli (o - etoxianilina)) ou o corante electrocrômico Azul da Prússia (AzP) foram preparadas, caracterizadas e aplicadas em dispositivos electrocrômicos. Os resultados demonstraram que o DNA pode ser plastificado com glicerol, resultando numa membrana transparente com boa condutividade iônica. A caracterização das amostras foi realizada através de medidas de condutividade iônica em função da temperatura, análise termogravimétrica - TGA, análise estrutural por difração de raios-X, microscopia eletrônica - MEV e análise espectroscópica no UV - Vis. Os valores de condutividade iônica à temperatura ambiente foram em gama de 10-4 a 10-5S/cm e aumentam linearmente com o aumento da temperatura, seguindo a relação de Arrhenius. Os valores de condutividade iônica para as membranas dopadas variaram, dependendo do polímero ou corante adicionado, da ordem de 10-5S/cm para as amostras à base de DNA puro a 10-4S/cm para as amostras contendo POEA, PEDOT ou AzP, em temperatura ambiente. Observou-se que as amostras apresentam boa estabilidade térmica, até 170°C, com transparência variável, dependendo da espécie adicionada. Os resultados de raios-X evidenciaram uma estrutura semicristalina das membranas obtidas. Finalmente, as membranas foram aplicadas em pequenos dispositivos electrocrômicos (ECD) e mostraram uma mudança de transmissão de até 10 % de colorido para estados descoloridos. Os dispositivos montados foram caracterizados através de medidas de voltametria e cronocoulometria para os potenciais de (-2,0 e +1,8; e -3,5 e +3,0)V. Os resultados da preparação e caracterização de janelas eletrocrômicas revelaram melhor valor de densidade de carga de 2,8 mC/cm2 para a janela contendo eletrólito a base de DNA-PEDOT. Todos os resultados obtidos mostraram que as membranas à base de DNA são condutoras ionicamente, têm boa transparência e adesão a propriedades do aço e vidro e são materiais promissores para serem aplicadas em dispositivos eletrocrômicos. / Natural polymers and macromolecules such as polysaccharides, gelatin, and DNA have recently attracted significant attention from the scientific community for their interesting structural and electrical properties. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) has electrolytic properties that are enhanced when dissolved in water due to the presence easily ionizable atoms such as proton and/or sodium. Ionically conductive membranes based on DNA plasticized with glycerol and DNA containing conducting polymers, such as, either PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)), POEA (poly (o-ethoxyaniline)) or electrochromic dye Prussian Blue (PB) were prepared, characterized and applied in electrochromic devices. It has been shown that DNA can be plasticized with glycerol, resulting in a transparent membrane with good ionic conductivity. The characterization of the samples was performed by ionic conductivity measurements as a function of temperature, TGA thermal analysis, and structural analysis by X-ray diffraction, microscopic by SEM and UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis. The ionic conductivity values at room temperature were in range of 10-4 to 10-5S/cm and increases linearly with increasing temperature, following the Arrhenius relationship. The ionic conductivity values for the studied doped membranes varied, depending on the added polymer or dye, from order 10-5S/cm for the pure DNA-based samples to 10-4S/cm for the samples containing PEDOT or PB, at room temperature. It was observed that the samples exhibit a good thermal stability up to 170ºC, with variable transparency, depending on the added molecule. The X-ray results evidenced a semicrystalline structure of the obtained membranes. Finally, the membranes were applied in small electrochromic devices (ECDs) and have shown an up to 10% transmission change from colored to bleached states. The inserted/extracted charges were of 2,8 mC/cm2 after applying potential of -2.0/+1.8V and -3.5/+3.0V on ECD with DNA-PEDOT electrolyte. All obtained results showed that DNA-based ionically conducting membranes have good transparency and adhesion to glass and steel properties and are very promising materials to be applied in electrochromic devices.