Research

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9 pages, 2912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Greyscale and Paper Electrochromic Polymer Displays by UV Patterning

by Robert Brooke, Jesper Edberg, Xavier Crispin, Magnus Berggren, Isak Engquist and Magnus P. Jonsson

Polymers 2019, 11(2), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11020267 - 05 Feb 2019

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6493

Abstract

Electrochromic devices have important implications as smart windows for energy efficient buildings, internet of things devices, and in low-cost advertising applications. While inorganics have so far dominated the market, organic conductive polymers possess certain advantages such as high throughput and low temperature processing, [...] Read more.

Electrochromic devices have important implications as smart windows for energy efficient buildings, internet of things devices, and in low-cost advertising applications. While inorganics have so far dominated the market, organic conductive polymers possess certain advantages such as high throughput and low temperature processing, faster switching, and superior optical memory. Here, we present organic electrochromic devices that can switch between two high-resolution images, based on UV-patterning and vapor phase polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) films. We demonstrate that this technique can provide switchable greyscale images through the spatial control of a UV-light dose. The color space was able to be further altered via optimization of the oxidant concentration. Finally, we utilized a UV-patterning technique to produce functional paper with electrochromic patterns deposited on porous paper, allowing for environmentally friendly electrochromic displays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochromic Polymers)

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32 pages, 7644 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Grafting and Molecular Dilution: Study of a Class of Conjugated Graft Copolymers

by Tomasz Jarosz, Kinga Kepska, Przemyslaw Ledwon, Marcin Procek, Wojciech Domagala and Agnieszka Stolarczyk

Polymers 2019, 11(2), 205; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11020205 - 24 Jan 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4239

Abstract

A type of graft copolymer based on polysiloxane and regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has been synthesised and its properties have been studied alongside those of its parent conjugated polymer—regioregular P3HT. Electrochemical analysis has revealed more significant changes in conformation of the copolymer film than [...] Read more.

A type of graft copolymer based on polysiloxane and regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has been synthesised and its properties have been studied alongside those of its parent conjugated polymer—regioregular P3HT. Electrochemical analysis has revealed more significant changes in conformation of the copolymer film than was observed for P3HT. UV-Vis-NIR spectroelectrochemical investigation provided evidence of improved doping reversibility of the copolymer, despite its marginally increased band gap, as also confirmed by electroconductometric analysis. Evidence has been shown, indicating that polaron mobilities in both P3HT and the copolymer are higher than those of bipolaronic charge carriers, even though both systems exhibit standard doping/dedoping patterns. The grafted copolymer was tested in bulk heterojunction solar cells. Preliminary studies show a great potential of these polymers for application in photovoltaics. Power conversion efficiency of up to 2.46% was achieved despite the dilution of the P3HT chains in the copolymer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochromic Polymers)

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12 pages, 5025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Color Tuning by Oxide Addition in PEDOT:PSS-Based Electrochromic Devices

by Delphin Levasseur, Issam Mjejri, Thomas Rolland and Aline Rougier

Polymers 2019, 11(1), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11010179 - 21 Jan 2019

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 8454

Abstract

Poly(3,4-ethylenedi-oxythiophene) (PEDOT) derivatives conducting polymers are known for their great electrochromic (EC) properties offering a reversible blue switch under an applied voltage. Characterizations of symmetrical EC devices, built on combinations of PEDOT thin films, deposited with a bar coater from commercial inks, and [...] Read more.

Poly(3,4-ethylenedi-oxythiophene) (PEDOT) derivatives conducting polymers are known for their great electrochromic (EC) properties offering a reversible blue switch under an applied voltage. Characterizations of symmetrical EC devices, built on combinations of PEDOT thin films, deposited with a bar coater from commercial inks, and separated by a lithium-based ionic membrane, show highest performance for 800 nm thickness. Tuning of the color is further achieved by mixing the PEDOT film with oxides. Taking, in particular, the example of optically inactive iron oxide Fe₂O₃, a dark blue to reddish switch, of which intensity depends on the oxide content, is reported. Careful evaluation of the chromaticity parameters L*, a*, and b*, with oxidizing/reducing potentials, evidences a possible monitoring of the bluish tint. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochromic Polymers)

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10 pages, 2070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochromism in Electropolymerized Films of Pyrene-Triphenylamine Derivatives

by Tian-Ge Sun, Zhi-Juan Li, Jiang-Yang Shao and Yu-Wu Zhong

Polymers 2019, 11(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11010073 - 05 Jan 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4603

Abstract

Two star-shaped multi-triphenylamine derivatives 1 and 2 were prepared, where 2 has an additional phenyl unit between a pyrene core and surrounding triphenylamine units. The oxidative electropolymerization of 1 and 2 occurred smoothly to give thin films of polymers P1 and P2. [...] Read more.

Two star-shaped multi-triphenylamine derivatives 1 and 2 were prepared, where 2 has an additional phenyl unit between a pyrene core and surrounding triphenylamine units. The oxidative electropolymerization of 1 and 2 occurred smoothly to give thin films of polymers P1 and P2. The electrochemistry and spectroelectrochemistry of P1 and P2 were examined, showing two-step absorption spectral changes in the near-infrared region. The electrochromic properties, including contrast ratio, response time, and cyclic stability of P1 and P2 were investigated and compared. Thin film of P2 displays slightly better electrochromic performance than P1, with a contrast ratio of 45% at 1475 nm being achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochromic Polymers)

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17 pages, 8254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochromic Devices Based on Poly(2,6-di(9H-carbazol-9-yl)pyridine)-Type Polymer Films and PEDOT-PSS

by Chung-Wen Kuo, Bo-Wei Wu, Jeng-Kuei Chang, Jui-Cheng Chang, Li-Ting Lee, Tzi-Yi Wu and Tsung-Han Ho

Polymers 2018, 10(6), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10060604 - 31 May 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4193

Abstract

2,6-Di(9H-carbazol-9-yl)pyridine (DiCP) was synthesized and its corresponding homopolymer (PDiCP) and copolymers (P(DiCP-co-CPDT), P(DiCP-co-CPDT2), P(DiCP-co-CPDTK), and P(DiCP-co-CPDTK2)) were synthesized electrochemically. The anodic copolymer with DiCP:cyclopentadithiophene ketone (CPDTK) = 1:1 feed molar ratio showed high transmittance change [...] Read more.

2,6-Di(9H-carbazol-9-yl)pyridine (DiCP) was synthesized and its corresponding homopolymer (PDiCP) and copolymers (P(DiCP-co-CPDT), P(DiCP-co-CPDT2), P(DiCP-co-CPDTK), and P(DiCP-co-CPDTK2)) were synthesized electrochemically. The anodic copolymer with DiCP:cyclopentadithiophene ketone (CPDTK) = 1:1 feed molar ratio showed high transmittance change (ΔT%) and colouration efficiency (η), which were measured as 39.5% and 184.1 cm² C⁻¹ at 1037 nm, respectively. Electrochromic devices (ECDs) were composed of PDiCP, P(DiCP-co-CPDT), P(DiCP-co-CPDT2), P(DiCP-co-CPDTK), and P(DiCP-co-CPDTK2) as anodically-colouring polymers, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT-PSS) as cathodically-colouring polymers. P(DiCP-co-CPDTK)/PEDOT-PSS ECD showed light silverish-yellow at 0.0 V, light grey at 0.7 V, grey at 1.3 V, light greyish blue at 1.7 V, and greyish blue at 2.0 V. Moreover, P(DiCP-co-CPDTK)/PEDOT-PSS ECD presented high ΔT (38.2%) and high η (633.8 cm² C⁻¹) at 635 nm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochromic Polymers)

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19 pages, 9074 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soluble Electrochromic Polymers Incorporating Benzoselenadiazole and Electron Donor Units (Carbazole or Fluorene): Synthesis and Electronic-Optical Properties

by Jianzhong Xu, Qi Ji, Lingqian Kong, Hongmei Du, Xiuping Ju and Jinsheng Zhao

Polymers 2018, 10(4), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10040450 - 17 Apr 2018

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3863

Abstract

A series of π-conjugated polymers containing alternating benzoselenadiazole (BSe)-bi(thiophene derivative)-carbazole or benzoththiadiazole (BSe)-bi(thiophene derivative)-fluorene units were designed and synthesized. Thiophene derivatives, namely 3-hexylthiophene, 3,4-bihexyloxythiophene, and 3,4-bioctyloxythiophene, were used as the π-bridges of the polymers. The polymers were characterized in detail in terms of [...] Read more.

A series of π-conjugated polymers containing alternating benzoselenadiazole (BSe)-bi(thiophene derivative)-carbazole or benzoththiadiazole (BSe)-bi(thiophene derivative)-fluorene units were designed and synthesized. Thiophene derivatives, namely 3-hexylthiophene, 3,4-bihexyloxythiophene, and 3,4-bioctyloxythiophene, were used as the π-bridges of the polymers. The polymers were characterized in detail in terms of their thermal stabilities, cyclic voltammograms, UV-Vis absorption, spectroelectrochemistry, dynamic switching property and so forth. The alkoxy thiophene π-bridged polymers have lower onset oxidation potentials and bandgaps than that of their corresponding alkyl thiophene π-bridged polymers. The selection of the donor units between the carbazole and the fluorene units has nearly no effect on the bandgaps and colors as well as the onset oxidation potentials of the polymers. The increase in the length of the side alkyl chains on the thiophene ring caused a slight increase in the polymer bandgap, which may be caused by the space hindrance effect. The dynamic switching abilities of the polymers were obtained by the chronoabsorptometry method, and the results also suggested that the alkoxy thiophene-containing polymers (as π-bridges) have higher contrast ratios than the corresponding alkyl thiophene-containing polymers. Furthermore, the increase in the length of the side alkyl chain might have a detrimental effect on the optical contrast ratios of the polymers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochromic Polymers)

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Review

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18 pages, 3061 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Transparent to Black Electrochromism—The “Holy Grail” of Organic Optoelectronics

by Tomasz Jarosz, Karolina Gebka, Agnieszka Stolarczyk and Wojciech Domagala

Polymers 2019, 11(2), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11020273 - 06 Feb 2019

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5533

Abstract

In the rapidly developing field of conjugated polymer science, the attribute of electrochromism these materials exhibit provides for a multitude of innovative application opportunities. Featuring low electric potential driven colour change, complemented by favourable mechanical and processing properties, an array of non-emissive electrochromic [...] Read more.

In the rapidly developing field of conjugated polymer science, the attribute of electrochromism these materials exhibit provides for a multitude of innovative application opportunities. Featuring low electric potential driven colour change, complemented by favourable mechanical and processing properties, an array of non-emissive electrochromic device (ECD) applications lays open ahead of them. Building up from the simplest two-colour cell, multielectrochromic arrangements are being devised, taking advantage of new electrochromic materials emerging at a fast pace. The ultimate device goal encompasses full control over the intensity and spectrum of passing light, including the two extremes of complete and null transmittance. With numerous electrochromic device architectures being explored and their operating parameters constantly ameliorated to pursue this target, a summary and overview of developments in the field is presented. Discussing the attributes of reported electrochromic systems, key research points and challenges are identified, providing an outlook for this exciting topic of polymer material science. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochromic Polymers)

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35 pages, 8537 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Electroluminochromic Materials: From Molecules to Polymers

by Ming Hui Chua, Qiang Zhu, Kwok Wei Shah and Jianwei Xu

Polymers 2019, 11(1), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11010098 - 08 Jan 2019

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5714

Abstract

Electroluminochromism is an interesting property found in certain classes of molecules and polymers whose photoluminescence can be modulated through the application of an external electrical bias. Unlike electrochromic materials, electroluminochromic counterparts and their applications are comparatively fewer in quantity and are less established. [...] Read more.

Electroluminochromism is an interesting property found in certain classes of molecules and polymers whose photoluminescence can be modulated through the application of an external electrical bias. Unlike electrochromic materials, electroluminochromic counterparts and their applications are comparatively fewer in quantity and are less established. Nonetheless, there prevails an increasing interest in this class of electro-active materials due to their potential applications in optoelectronics, such as smart-displays, and chemical and biological sensing. This review seeks to showcase the different classes of electroluminochromic materials with focus on (i) organic molecules, (ii) transition metal complexes, and (iii) organic polymers. The mechanisms and electroluminochromic performance of these classes of materials are summarized. This review should allow scientists to have a better and deeper understanding of materials design strategies and, more importantly, structure-property relationships and, thus, develops electroluminochromic materials with desired performance in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochromic Polymers)

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