Electrochromic and supercapacitive capabilities of naphthalene amidine monoimide terthiophene n–p dopable electropolymer

Abstract

The electrochemical polymerization of the naphthalene amidine monoimide terthiophene monomer (NDI-3T) on a transparent tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) semiconductor base contact is reported. The resulting polymer-modified electrode exhibits electrochromic and supercapacitive capabilities. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical analyses reveal that the redox processes involving the electroactive moieties in the polymer structure enable fully reversible charge accumulation and release as well as noticeable color changes visible to the naked eye. The NDI- 3T polymer films on ITO were investigated as supercapacitive active materials through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge−discharge measurements at different current densities. Additionally, electrochromic characteristic parameters, specific capacitance retention, and charge−discharge stability were also assessed. An electrochromic and supercapacitive device was constructed by assembling ITO-modified electrodes in a sandwich-like configuration with a gelled composite electrolyte. This work highlights the multifunctional capabilities of NDI-3T electrodeposited films and their potential applications in electrochromic and supercapacitive devices.