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Pursuing to develop novel polymer-based electrode materials and explore their performance in electrochromic capacitive windows (ECWs), three polyamides containing propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) units were synthesized. The polymers were processed into thin coatings and subjected to rigorous structural and photophysical characterization, with focus on the electrochromic response and energy storage capability. One of the polymers showed electrochromic response with ultrafast color change (0.8 s for coloring) from highly transmissive yellow to deep green, opposite to most ProDOT-based materials that exhibit bleaching trends during oxidation, which is more convenient for smart glazing. A coloration efficiency of 358 cm2 × C−1, a maximum CE decay of 2.6 % after 100 cycles, and an excellent electrochromic stability, even up to 500 cycles was achieved for this material. In three-electrode cell configuration, this polymer revealed practical energy storage properties, including a wide voltage window, a good capacitance, of 5.63 mF × cm−2, and an outstanding electrochemical cycling durability. Therefore, a prototype polyamide based-ECW device was built and its overall performance was explored. Due to the well capability of this polymer to simultaneously operate as a smart color changing and energy storage electrode, it can be considered as promising material for use in energy storage smart windows with potential applications in green-enabling technologies. • Three polyamides containing propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) units are synthesized. • The polymers display thermal stability up to 270 °C and CT blue/green fluorescence. • The polymers containing only ProDOT provide low capacitance and no electrochromism. • TPA- and ProDOT-based polyamide undergoes ultrafast color switch while stores energy. • An ECW is realized enabling smart monitoring of the energy level stored in the device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the synthesis and characterization of novel six-membered poly(imide-amide)s based on a naphthalene- N, N′-bis(imido-amine) and various dicarboxylic acids containing flexible units such as ether, hexafluoroisopropylidene and diphenylsilane. A new design is proposed for aromatic poly(imide-amide)s, in which the imide and amide units are directly connected through a NN bond. These highly thermostable polymers were successfully synthesized using Yamazaki-Higashi reaction conditions. The poly(imide-amide)s were processed into thin hydrophobic films having self-assembled micellar structures. The presence of aggregates in solutions with concentrations below 1% was evidenced and is discussed in relation to the chemical structure. The photoluminescence properties of polymer solutions and films showed their ability to produce white and blue light emission. The lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level was calculated using cyclic voltammetry data, showing good electron injection and transport characteristics. The properties of these polymers make them attractive for applications in advanced optoelectronics and related fields. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]