The 16th International Meeting on Electrochromism (IME-16) (IME-16)

Self-charging electrochromic (EC) devices can change their optical state without an external power source. Here, we develop a reversible EC device using a viologen-based ion gel and an aluminum (Al) electrode. The ion gel, containing a viologen derivative, ferrocene, and other components, is placed between two ITO-coated glasses with a spacer that prevents direct contact with the Al electrode. When the Al electrode is connected to one ITO glass, coloration occurs spontaneously through Al oxidation and subsequent electron transfer to the viologen derivative. After removing the connection, the device returns to the bleached state, showing reversible electrochromic behavior. To reduce Al corrosion, the Al surface is modified with a phthalocyanine (Pc) derivative, while a remaining region is left exposed to contact the ion gel. The Pc coating effectively reduces Al corrosion and significantly improves the cycling stability of the device during repeated coloration and bleaching. This structure enables durable self-charging EC operation and offers potential for low-power EC devices.
 

corrosion inhibitor,Phthalocyanine,Electrochromic devices,self-charging