Deriving multifunctionality in solid-state emissive conjugated polymers (CPs) remains of great interest for further advancement in the synthesis of new functional polymers and to expand their scope of applications. Here, we demonstrate a rational molecular structural design and synthesis of a 1D conjugated polymer (PFtBTPA) to achieve not only solid-state emission but also multifunctional behavior. Introducing a partially twisted structure within PFtBTPA gives rise to emission in the solid state, and the functional side groups attached to the polymer chain empower reversible redox activity and near-infrared (NIR) electrochromism as well as electrofluorochromism at low potential (<0.7 V). The 1D PFtBTPA further undergoes on-demand electrochemical or chemical 3D polymerization via coupling of functional side groups, which again opens a platform to create functional 3D polymers. This development may provide a new impetus for polymer chemistry and materials science research.
Sarmah et al. (2026) studied this question.