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Material strategies for black-to-transmissive window-type polymer electrochromic devices
Svetlana V Vasilyeva1, Pierre M Beaujuge, Shujun Wang
1The George and Josephine Butler Polymer Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Center for Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-7200, USA.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 15, 2011
Summary
New polymer electrochromic devices (ECDs) achieve black-to-transmissive switching using spray-processable polymers. Donor-acceptor copolymers offer faster switching speeds and more neutral colors compared to polymer blends for advanced display applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Polymer electrochromic devices (ECDs) are crucial for smart windows and displays.
- Achieving neutral black states and fast switching speeds in ECDs remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate black-to-transmissive switching ECDs using spray-processable polymers.
- To compare the performance of donor-acceptor (DA) copolymers versus polymer blends for electrochromic applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of ECDs using spray-processable cathodically coloring polymers and a PTMA counter electrode.
- Utilizing individual DA copolymers or blends/bilayers of polymers for black color generation.
- Characterization of optical contrast, switching speed, and color neutrality.
Main Results:
- ECDs with DA copolymers exhibited faster switching (0.7 s) compared to polymer blends (1.6 s).
- DA copolymer devices showed more neutral achromatic colors in both colored and bleached states.
- High optical contrasts (up to 50%T) were achieved with both material approaches.
Conclusions:
- Spray-processable DA copolymers are promising for high-performance ECDs due to their fast switching and neutral colors.
- These materials are suitable for both transmissive and reflective electrochromic applications.
