Optimization, preparation, and electrical short evaluation for 30 cm2 active area dual conjugated polymer electrochromic windows

Solid-state electrochromic devices, based on poly-(3,6-bis(2-(3,4-ethylenedioxy)thienyl)-N-methylcarbazole) (PBEDOT-NMCz) and poly((3,4-ethylenedioxy)thiophene) (PEDOT), having 30 cm2 active switching area, low voltage consumption, photopic contrasts of ca. 30% and switching speeds as low as 0.6 s, were prepared and studied. A special design of electrochemical cell allowed us to electrodeposit films of conducting polymer over large areas. Photopolymerization of the gel is a fast and straightforward way to assemble sealed and solid-state devices. Addition of different amounts of plastizicer to a photopolymerizable PEO-based gel electrolyte enhanced switching speed performance over approximately two orders of magnitude. Cyclic voltammetry was shown as a tool to evaluate shorcircuited devices.