Abstract

Layer-by-Layer (LbL) self-assembly technique was used for sequential deposition of 40 layers of polycation, Polyaniline (emeraldine base), (PANI), on polyanion, Poly (aniline 2-sulfonic) acid, (PASA). Both of the polymers used in this study are elechtrochromically active polymers. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to study the homogeneity of the film as well as to measure the thickness of the film. The film was measured to be approximately 230nm thick and homogeneous. The thin film was formed on Indium-tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate. The thin film on ITO glass substrate was studied in an asymmetric solid state device consisting of the coated electrode on one side and a plain ITO slide as the other electrode with ion conducting polymer gel between the electrodes. The device was studied for its Electrochromic (EC) properties in visible spectrum as well as its redox properties in a defined potential window. Spectroscopy studies of the device showed reversible EC properties with more than 52% contrast in transmittance in -2.3V to +2.3V potential window. The response time of the 40 bilayers device was measured to be less than 300 ms. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) technique was employed to study redox states of the thin film. It was found that the film has several redox states in -2.3V to +3.0V potential range, two of which are corresponding to the visible electrochromic changes.

 

Biography

Reza Montazami received his bachelor of science in Physics and Astronomy from Virginia Tech in 2007. He started his research under supervision of Dr. Heflin in Physics department in 2006, after completing his B.S., he decided to pursue his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering to broaden his view on multidisciplinary research. Reza is currently working on three experimental research projects, Electrochromic materials, Gas Chromatography MEMS, and Electromechanical actuators.