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Published on: October 28, 2025
709
ITO-Free Solution-Processed Flexible Electrochromic Devices Based on PEDOT:PSS as Transparent Conducting Electrode
Rekha Singh1, Joseph Tharion1, Sengottaiyan Murugan1
1Department of Chemistry, ‡Centre of Excellence in Nanoelectronics, §National Centre of Excellence in Technologies for Internal Security (NCETIS), Indian Institute of Technology Bombay , Powai, Mumbai 400076, India.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|October 28, 2016
Summary
This study showcases PEDOT:PSS as a flexible, low-cost transparent conducting electrode (TCE) for electrochromic devices (ECDs). These PEDOT:PSS TCEs offer comparable performance to indium tin oxide (ITO) while providing enhanced flexibility and stability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Device Engineering
Background:
- Electrochromic devices (ECDs) are gaining traction for applications like smart windows and thermal control.
- Current transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs), such as indium tin oxide (ITO), are often rigid and expensive.
- There is a growing need for low-power, lightweight, inexpensive, and flexible TCEs for advanced ECDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of PEDOT:PSS films as TCEs in flexible ECDs.
- To compare the characteristics of PEDOT:PSS-based ECDs with traditional ITO-based ECDs.
- To demonstrate PEDOT:PSS as a viable, cost-effective alternative to ITO for ECD applications.
Main Methods:
- PEDOT:PSS films were coated on flexible substrates and treated with PTSA-DMSO to enhance conductivity.
- The conductivity and figure of merit (FoM) of the PEDOT:PSS TCEs were measured.
- ECDs were fabricated using PEDOT:PSS TCEs and their electrochromic performance (contrast, switching time, coloration efficiency) was assessed.
- Stability was tested through electrochemical cycling and mechanical bending.
Main Results:
- PEDOT:PSS TCEs exhibited high conductivity (1400-1500 S·cm⁻¹) and FoM (70-77).
- Increased conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films broadened the conducting potential window (CPW).
- PEDOT:PSS-based ECDs demonstrated electrochromic performance comparable to ITO-based ECDs.
- The flexible devices showed excellent stability during cycling and bending tests.
Conclusions:
- PEDOT:PSS serves as a promising, flexible, and cost-effective TCE for electrochromic devices.
- These devices offer comparable performance to ITO-based ECDs with added mechanical flexibility and superior stability.
- PEDOT:PSS presents a viable alternative to expensive ITO for next-generation ECDs.
