Electrochemical synthesis and optical analysis of poly[(2,2′-dithienyl)-5,5′-diylvinylene]

The electrochemical synthesis of poly[(2,2′-dithienyl)-5,5′-diylvinylene tetrafluoroborate] (PDTE/BF₄) has been accomplished and provides coppery-black free-standing films with a room-temperature four-probe conductivity as high as 15 (Ω cm)^?1. The conductivity and morphology of the films were found to be strongly dependent on synthetic conditions. The oxidized form of PDTE is not air stable, as evidenced by a rapid, three order of magnitude drop in the conductivity. Optoelectrochemical experiments demonstrate that bipolarons are the main charge-carrying species in conductive PDTE and allow their evolution to be followed as a function of oxidation.