Novel redox-active polycarbazole-functionalized polycatechol network films produced by controlled electropolymerization

A novel precursor, 1,2-bis[6-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)hexyloxy] benzene (BCHB), was successfully synthesized. Its polycarbazole-functionalized polycatechol network films, poly{1,2-bis[6-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)hexyloxy] benzene} (PBCHB), with good redox activity were formed by the direct anodic oxidation of BCHB in CH₂Cl₂ and boron trifluoride diethyl etherate binary solvent solution. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H-NMR, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry were used to characterize the polymers. The results indicate that the network polymers could be synthesized electrochemically with different polymerized units by controlled electropolymerization. The PBCHB films prepared at low potential were oligomers with short conjugation lengths and were soluble in common organic solvents, whereas the polymers with long conjugation lengths and hyperbranched network structures obtained at high potential were insoluble. The electrosynthesized polymers exhibited blue emission maxima around 450 nm and were much more redshifted than their monomer. The emissions were also brighter; this indicated the polymers are potential good blue-light emitters. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012