A solid-state electrochromic device based on complementary polypyrrole/polythiophene derivatives and an elastomeric electrolyte

A device was assembled using optically transparent glass electrodes and combining two complementary electrochromic polymeric materials, poly(4,4′-dipentoxy-2,2′-bithiophene) and poly(N,N′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyrrole). As electrolyte we used an ionically conductive polymer; poly(epichlorohydrin-co-ethylene oxide) containing a lithium salt. The optical contrast in the visible/near infrared region, stability to repeated redox cycles and electrochromic efficiency are reported and discussed.