Electrochromic properties of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) nanocomposite film containing SiO₂ nanoparticles

Abstract

Through incorporation of SiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) into poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films, the physical volume effect of nanoparticles on the electrochromic properties of PEDOT was investigated. PEDOT-SiO 2 nanocomposite thin films were prepared using SiO 2 NPs, 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), iron p-toluenesulfonate and an imidazole mixture. During incorporation, SiO 2 NPs agglomerated to form a cluster, which affected the surface roughness of PEDOT films. Photoemission spectroscopic results of C 1s and S 2p show that incorporated SiO 2 NPs did not chemically interact but heavily affect the conjugation length and packing density of PEDOT due to a physical volume effect.This physical effect of SiO 2 NPs resulted in enhanced electrical conductivity of PEDOT and induced a blue shift of the maximum absorption peak in ultra violet-visible spectroscopic analysis. Also, a gradual enhancement in the electrochromic properties of PEDOT was obtained by increasing the amount of SiO 2 NPs; in particular, the switching speed of PEDOT reduced from 3.34 s to 1.28 s with incorporation of 10 wt % SiO 2 NPs.

Efficient Electrochromic Materials Based on PEDOT/WO3 Composites Synthesized in Ionic Liquid Media

“…As seen from Figures 1 a–c, the oxidation potential of the monomer EDOT is approximately +1.1 V for all of the ionic liquids used. Our result corresponds well with the values reported for EDOT in organic solvents using TBAPF 6 or TEABF 4 as the electrolyte salts 15.…”

“…The electrochromic as well as physical properties of PEDOT were changed by incorporating SiO 2 NPs. Major changes included a shift of maximum absorption to shorter wavelength in the reduced state, a shortening of the conjugation lengths of PEDOT chains, an increase in switching speed, a decrease in packing density, and an increased surface area 15.…”

Plasmonic enhanced polymer solar cell with inclusion of Ag@SiO2 core‐shell nanostructures

“…An increase in conductivity was observed upon the addition of SiO 2 nanoparticles to PEDOT films 41 and an increased conductivity in hybrid PEDOT-SiO 2 films. 42 The increase in the conductivity of the PEDOT films in the presence of SiO 2 nanoparticles was explained by the formation of a conducting molecular complex between PEDOT and SiO 2 43 or by a change in the structural organization of PEDOT polymer chains in the presence of SiO 2 nanoparticles.…”

The thiophene derivative with ferricyanide end group and its polymers: synthesis and electrochromic performance

“…In the case of people constantly in pursuit of improving and extending the property and application of electrochromic materials, development of new composite materials has become one of the most intensive approaches in order to create the new functions owing to the synergic effect originating from recombination. Recently, exploitation of organic/inorganic nanocomposite materials provides a new way to achieve the practical application of electrochromic device [10][11][12][13][14]. Some researches have especially been based on the composite of PB and conducting polymers instead of just improving each component, and present distinctive electrochromic capabilities [15][16][17][18][19].…”