In situ colorimetric analysis of electrochromic polymers and devices

We report a colorimetric method for the in situ study of electrochromic polymers based on the CIE system of colorimetry. This method is useful for the comparison of the electrochemical and optical properties of conjugated polymers, and for gaining control of the color of dual polymer electrochromic devices. Twelve electrochromic polymers were investigated using in situ colorimetric analysis in order to define their CIE coordinates and electrochemical potential windows. By controlling the electron density and steric interactions along conjugated polymer backbones, we have developed a set of electrochromic polymers that provides colors throughout the full range of color space. The applicability of the method is illustrated with a model dual polymer device based on poly(2-(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thienyl-(biphenyl)) (PBEDOT-BP) and poly(3,6-bis(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thienyl)-N-methylcarbazole) (PBEDOT-NMeCz). This device yields green/brown colors (L* = 48, a* = 0, b* = 20 and L* = 44, a* = 6, b* = 26) interesting for earthtone and natural vegetation chameleon materials when the charge states of the two polymers are reversed. This technique is a convenient method for reproducibly fine-tuning the color of electrochromic materials, while reducing trial and error in the process of electrochromic device development.