LAUSR

Abstract Novel polythiophene derivatives containing trans-stilbene and fumaronitrile groups have been designed and synthesized. These polymers emit intense fluorescence in both solution and film states, attributing to the restriction of intramolecular rotation caused by multiple C—H···π bonds existed in the neighboring polymer backbones. Driven by different applied potentials, the polymer films show reversible electrochemical oxidation-reduction reactions with colors changing from yellow-green to sky-blue and red to rufous respectively, furthermore, electrofluorochromism between fluorescent state and non-fluorescent state happens synchronously. In addition, these polymers represent excellent thermal stability, good solubility and fast switching time, making them special candidates for electrochemical fluorescence and electrochromic applications.