Relating cyclic voltammetry and impedance analysis in a viologen electrochromic device

Viologens are electrochromic materials that have a wide range of coloration depending on the radical substituents. The results for a new blue viologen-based device, that has recently been patented, with an active area of 8.5 cm2 is presented in this paper. The characterization techniques used are based on optical measurements, chronoamperometry, cyclic voltammetry, and impedance spectroscopy analysis. A study of the results obtained from these measurements provides both an overview of the reactions taking place and has allowed an equivalent circuit to be developed which relates the different electrochemical parameters. The transmittance is observed to change from 80% to 15% in 600 nm for input voltages ranging from 0 to 2.5 V. However, increasing voltage beyond 1.8 V shows no optical change, thus, maintaining the voltage below this level optimizes the use of electrical current. Voltages and charges used for each redox reaction have been computed and are seen to be linearly related. The equivalent circuit generated to mimic the process has included parameters based on Warburg diffusion and double-layer capacitances. Results from this model are consistent with measurements for up to 1.8 V. Saturation of reduced species has been deduced for input voltages beyond this level.