A novel poly(aryl ether), containing pendant oligoaniline and azobenzene moieties (Azo-PAE-p-OA), was synthesized by nucleophilic polycondensation. The structures were confirmed spectroscopically via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR), morphological data was ascertained via X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the thermal stability was probed via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Due to the coexistence of oligoaniline and azobenzene groups. Azo-PAE-p-OA shows reversible electroactivity and expectable photoresponse to light irradiation, chemical redox and electrochemical modulation. The electrochromic performance of a Azo-PAE-p-OA film on indium tin oxide (ITO) was investigated by spectrochronoamperometry, and exhibited electrochromic properties with high contrast value, good coloration efficiency, moderate switching times, and acceptable stability. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.