Flexible Composite Electrochromic Device with Long-Term Bistability Based on a Viologen Derivative and Prussian Blue

Viologen and Prussian blue (PB) exhibit good electrochromic properties, but certain limitations still exist. To improve the electrochromic properties of viologen, a viologen derivative 1,1'-bis(4-(bromomethyl)benzyl)-[4,4'-bipyridine]-1,1'-diium hexafluorophosphate (BBDV) was synthesized, and its electrochromic properties were investigated. Additionally, a flexible composite electrochromic device (FC-ECD) was prepared by using BBDV and PB as active materials. The structure of the FC-ECD was PET-ITO/gel electrolyte-BBDV/PB/PET-ITO. The applied voltage required for the FC-ECD was found to be lower than that of the ECD based on BBDV(FBBDV-ECD). Compared to FBBDV-ECD, FC-ECD exhibited a higher optical contrast (71.42%) and cyclic stability (89.51%). The FC-ECD exhibited multicolor changes under different applied voltages (ranging from -2.0 to +1.6 V). Especially, the color of the FC-ECD remained stable for 14 h after the removal of the applied voltage.