Electro-deposited vanadium oxide as a counter-electrode for PProDOT-Me2 based electrochromic devices (ECDs)

A preparation and characterization of thin film vanadium oxide for use as a transparent ion storage layer/counter-electrode in organic ECDs is reported. A cathodic polymer film, Poly[3,3-dimethyle-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxepine] (PProDOT-Me-2) was used as the electrochromic material. Counter-electrodes were prepared using a sol-gel method and deposited using electrophoresis. Indium Tin oxide (I TO) glass was used as an electrically conductive and transparent substrate. This paper focuses on optimized characteristics complimentary to a PProDOT-Me-2 based electrochromic thin film. Gels of vanadium oxide were created from V2O5 Powder mixed with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and deionized water. Thin films were deposited onto a substrate submerged in the solution and subjected to cyclic voltammetry. Deposition parameters were varied and their effect on counter electrode characteristics investigated. The thin film exhibited a capacitance curve similar to the PProDOT-Me-2 based EC film while maintaining a transmittance greater than 60% indicating that V2O5 is a suitable material. The ensuing 1 inch x 1 inch smart window exhibits a change in transmittance of 60% and a lifetime of over 100,000 cycles at a switching speed of 1 second. Larger sized devices of six and twelve inches were successfully prepared and switched between the dark blue and transparent states in less than 15 seconds.