Incorporation of a stable radical 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) in an electrochromic device

A stable organic radical, 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO), was studied. We employed TEMPO as a cathodic radical provider in propylene carbonate (PC) and poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) derivatives (PProDOT-Et₂) as an anodic electrochromic (EC) thin film, which was obtained through electropolymerization. On assembling them together in a device, the electrochemical and optical performances of this hybrid electrochromic device (ECD) showed reversible cycling stability and high absorbance attenuation in the visible range. By selecting proper electrolytes (LiClO₄/PC) and controlling the deposited charge of the PProDOT-Et₂ thin film, it was possible to obtain a transmittance change (ΔT) of up to 59% at 590 nm with no noticeable degradation after operating between 0 and 0.9 V for 1000 cycles. Furthermore, an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) was used to investigate ion migrations in the PProDOT-Et₂ thin film, which influenced its long-term stability.