In situ FTIR spectroelectrochemical characterization of n- and p-dopable phenyl-substituted polythiophenes.

In situ attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroelectrochemistry during oxidation (p-doping) and reduction (n-doping) of three phenyl-substituted polythiophenes, namely POPT, PEOPT and POMeOPT is presented. All the three phenyl substituted polythiophenes show both n- and p-doping. The infrared active vibration (IRAV) patterns obtained during electrochemical oxidation (p-doping) and reduction (n-doping) are compared. HOMO and LUMO energy levels are estimated from cyclic voltammetric experiments and from IRAV patterns during oxidation and reduction. A comparison shows that the standard graphical procedure to determine the onset of oxidation and reduction peaks in the cyclic voltammogram can be improved using in situ spectroscopy.