Dual-color electrochromic films incorporating a periodic polymer nanostructure
Journal
Rsc Advances
Journal Volume
2
Journal Issue
11
Pages
4746-4753
Date Issued
2012
Author(s)
Hsiao, Yu-Sheng
Huang, Jen-Hsien
Hsu, Chih-Yu
Chang, Feng-Chih
Chen, Peilin
Chu, Chih-Wei
Abstract
In this study, we used electrochemical deposition with a polystyrene (PS) bead template to prepare thin layers of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) that has a nanometer-scale honeycomb periodicity. To achieve dual-color electrochromic films, we then used pulsed electrochemical deposition to form polyaniline (PANI) layers on the rims of the PEDOT honeycomb film. Modifying the depositing charge density of PANI allowed tuning of the color of the composite films. We estimated the coloration efficiencies with respect to the values expected for corresponding amounts of pristine single layers of PEDOT and PANI. As a result of improved contact between the polymer film and the electrolyte, the coloration efficiencies of the structured composite films were much closer to their theoretical values than those of the corresponding bilayer composite films. Moreover, the switching times of the structured composite films were much faster than those of the bilayer composite films prepared without the nanostructures. © 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Type
journal article