Dehydrofluorination of poly(vinylidene fluoride) in dimethylformamide solution: Synthesis of an operationally soluble semiconducting polymer

Abstract The reaction of poly(vinylidene fluoride) with several different bases in dimethylformamide solution yields dehydrofluorinated products with conjugated polyene structures. The extent of elimination can be controlled by varying the amount of added base. The structural properties of dehydrofluorinated materials depend on the base used. Polymer films cast from DMF solution exhibit electronic conductivity upon iodine doping; the conductivity is also a function of the base used.