Asymmetric Electrochemical Polymerization: Preparation of Polybithiophene in a Chiral Nematic Liquid Crystal Field and Optically Active Electrochromism

Abstract

Optically active polybithiophene is successfully prepared by electrochemical polymerization in a chiral nematic liquid crystal field. Polarizing and phase-contrast optical micrographs of the polymer reveal a well-resolved spiral morphology similar to the optical texture of the chiral nematic phase. Circular dichroism measurements indicate the Cotton effect for the film. The polymer exhibits optically active electrochromism and switching behavior. Synthesis in a thermotropic chiral liquid crystal field therefore represents a new technique for the preparation of chiral conducting polymer films.