An all-solid-state polymeric electrochromic device based on two well-matched electrodes with fast switching time and excellent cycling stability

Abstract All-solid-state polymeric electrochromic devices (ECDs) were fabricated based on anodic poly(4,4′,4″-tris[4-(2-bithienyl)phenyl]amine) (PTBTPA) and cathodic poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrenesulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). PEDOT:PSS films with various thicknesses were obtained to control their charge capacities and neutral transmittances. It is found that the compatibility between PTBTPA and PEDOT:PSS has an important influence on the driving potential and electrochromic properties of ECDs. Therefore, an ECD with well-matched color and charge capacity between PTBTPA and PEDOT:PSS exhibits excellent electrochromic properties under low driving potential ranges (0–1.4 V) with high optical contrast of 54.3%, fast switching time of 1.02 s (colored time) and 0.51 s (bleached time), large coloration efficiency of 812.1 cm2‧C−1 and good cycling stability (which retains 70.2% of its original optical contrast after 10,000 cycles). The optimized all-solid-state polymeric ECD has potential applications in smart windows, electronic-tags and rearview mirrors.