Cyclic voltammetry electrochromic materials

Experimental Methods for Studying Electrochromic Materials. Redox systems which are likely to show promise as electrochromic materials are first studied, either as an electroactive surface film or an electroactive solute, at an electrochemically inert working electrode, under potentiostatic or galvanostatic control (2). Traditional electrochemical techniques (23), such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), coulometry, and chronoamperometry, all partnered by in situ spectroscopic measurements as appropriate (24,25), are employed for characterization. Three-electrode circuitry is generally employed, with coimter and reference electrodes completing the electrical circuit (2). 

Pt or ITO electrodes dipped in a nitrobenzene solution containing tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate or tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate. Cyclic voltammetry study of the polymers grafted on to Pt revealed on electroactive material which exhibits an electrochromic behaviour (blue in the doped state, red in the reduced state) similar to that reported for poly(3-methylthiophene) (Figure 14.27). It is interesting to note that the Ep (monomer), the fpa (polymer) and the Ep -Epc values are larger than those reported for poly(3-methylthiophene) (Table 14.13). 

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