ABSTRACT
Conjugated polymers represent a class of electrochromic materials along with inorganic oxides and viologens that can be assembled into devices for applications in smart windows, flexible displays and potentially camouflage clothing. Conjugated polymers can be processed into thin films using conventional coating techniques such as ink jetting, spray coating, screen printing, electrochemical deposition or in situ conversion to give a device capable of changing color upon application of electric potential. Device parameters such as switch speed, coloration efficiency, photopic contrast and optical memory are dependent on factors such as the electrical conductivity of electrodes, composition and structure of electrolytic gel and the electrochromic material itself. This chapter focuses on fabrication of electrochromic devices on various substrates from rigid glass to stretchable spandex with emphasis on optimizing material composition for achieving target electrochromic properties.
