The precursor polymer approach is one method developed to improve conjugated polymer processability. These precursor polymers are converted chemically or electrochemically to their conjugated, electrochromic forms which involves the use of an electrolyte bath. Recently, our group has also been able to convert these precursor polymers to their electrochromic polymer inside an assembled electrochromic device, thus the term in situ conversion. This study used the precursor polymer poly(bis[3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene]-thiophene-dioctylsilane) (PBEDOT-T-Si[Octyl]2) to further look into the benefits of this technique. The gel electrolyte composition and precursor film thicknesses were varied in the devices. Results show that in situ converted devices showed similar behavior and performance in switching speeds, optical memory and device color to ex situ converted devices. The in situ conversion technique does not need the use of costly electrolyte bath and eliminates the thoroughly cleaned substrates. This technique shows great promise to improve the processing and commercialization of conjugated polymers.

Conjugated polymers prepared inside assembled solid-state devices

240th National Meeting (2010)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.