Engineering the electrochromism and ion conduction of layer-by-layer assembled films

This work applies the processing technique of layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly to the creation and development of new electrochemically active materials. Elements of the thin-film electrochromic cell were chosen as a particular focus for LBL fabrication. Layer-by-layer assembly is the ideal processing tool to tailor the electrochemical systems within electrochromic cells because modulating processing conditions can greatly impact the nanoscale composition and morphology of the resultant films. For the first time, this control was used to: 1) intelligently design electrochromic LBL assembled composite films that facilitated ion motion for faster switching and exhibited enhanced or shifted coloration, 2) combine multiple electrochromic materials into novel LBL assembled composites with even higher contrast, faster switching, and multiple colored states, and finally 3) develop and optimize several LBL assembled polymer electrolyte films that display high ionic conductivity and sound mechanical integrity. Electrochromic cell elements were chosen not only for their undeveloped commercial potential, but also because they incorporate multifunctional material systems with alternative applications. Studies of LBL fabrication and the operation of electrochromic cells provide insight into intermolecular interactions, internal and external film interfaces, thin film electrochemistry, and charged species mobility in polymer solids. First investigated was the capability of LBL assembly to alter the properties of electrochromic films by varying molecular blending.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Chemical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2003

Author dc:creator

• DeLongchamp, Dean M. (Dean Michael), 1975-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Paula T. Hammond.

• Chemical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/29995

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/29995