Electrochromic Characteristics of Organic Materials with a Simple Molecular Structure

Abstract

Electrochromic characteristics of familiar organic materials with relatively simple molecular structures, such as dimethyl terephthalate, are described. Coloration occurred at the cathode of all cells examined; the color spontaneously bleached upon removing the voltage. Electrochemically induced optical absorption was measured for organic compounds with various types of terminal groups. As a result, the induced color was found to depend upon the type of terminal groups as well as its position placed in the compound. The time response of the optical density during a coloration and bleaching sequence was also investigated. An empirical formula fitting with the observed response curves is proposed.