Redox active polymers with phenothiazine moieties have been synthesized by Atomic Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP). These novel polymers reveal bistable behaviour upon application of a bias potential above the oxidation threshold value. Using conductive Scanning Force Microscopy, two distinguishable conductivity levels were induced on a nanoscale level. These levels were related to a high conducting "On" and a low conducting "Off state. The "On" state is generated by the oxidation of the phenothiazine side chains to form stable phenothiazine radical cations. The formation and stability of; the radical sites was examined by cyclic voltammetry, electron spin resonance and optical spectroscopy. Polymers with phenothiazine moieties show the ability to retain their redox state for several hours and: can therefore be used for nonvolatile organic memory devices. Furthermore, thin films made from the phenothiazine containing polymers show high mechanical nanowear stability.
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