Acrylated poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) for enhancement of lifetime and optical properties for single-layer electrochromic devices.

We utilized our in situ method for the one-step assembly of single-layer electrochromic devices (ECDs) with a 3,4-propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) acrylate derivative, and long-term stability was achieved. By coupling the electroactive monomer to the cross-linkable polymer matrix, preparation of the electrochromic ProDOT polymer can occur followed by UV cross-linking. Thus, we achieve immobilization of the unreacted monomer, which prevents any degradative processes from occurring at the counter electrode. This approach eliminated spot formation in the device and increased stability to over 10 000 cycles when compared to 500 cycles with conventional ProDOT devices wherein the monomer is not immobilized. The acrylated electrochromic polymer exhibits similar electrochromic properties as conventional ProDOT devices, such as photopic contrast (48% compared to 46%) and switch speed (both 2 s). This method can be applied to any one-layer electrochromic system where improved stability is desired.