Comparison of PEDOT Films Obtained via Three Different Routes through Spectroelectrochemistry and the Differential Cyclic Voltabsorptometry Method (DCVA)

The performance of different poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) films was compared by electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and time-derivative measurements of absorbance versus potential (linear potential-scan voltabsorptometry) for an overall spectroclectrochemical characterization of the electrochromic properties in ionic liquids such as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (BMITESI). The time-derivative signals were monitored at different wavelengths, and information obtained therefrom was complementary to that obtained from conventional cyclic voltammetry. PEDOT films prepared via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization appeared to be much more efficient than electropolymerized and PEDOT poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) reference films, in terms of both contrast ratio and coloration efficiency, which was the case even for PEDOT films deposited on less conductive flexible plastic substrates.