Multicolour Electrochromic Film Based on a TiO@poly[Ni(salen)] Nanocomposite with Excellent Electrochemical Stability.

We report the electrochromic properties of a polymeric nanocomposite prepared by potentiodynamic deposition of transition-metal complex [Ni(3-Mesalen)], designated as [1], in the presence of TiO nanoparticles (NPs) with an average size of 9.7 ± 1.1 nm.

Graphene-poly(nickel complex) as novel electrochromic nanocomposite for the fabrication of a robust solid-state device.

An electrochromic nanocomposite based on a nickel-salen polymeric film - poly[Ni(3-Mesalen)], Mesalen=N,N'-bis(3-methylsalicylideneiminate) - and graphene nanoplatelets (GFNPs) with enhanced electrochromic stability was successfully prepared by anodic electropolymerization. Although the electrochemical processes typical of the polymer film were not changed by the presence of graphene, higher electroactive surface coverages could be obtained for nanocomposite films, which suggest the incorporation of GFNPs into the polymeric network. The nanocomposite showed multi-electrochromic behavior, with color changes between yellow (reduced state) and green (oxidized state).

Cationic imprinting of Pb(II) within composite networks based on bovine or fish chondroitin sulfate.

Imprinting chondroitin sulfate (CS)/silica composites with Pb(II) and Cu(II) cations was explored with CS of bovine and different fish species origin. The process was based on the assumption that particular arrangements of the linear CS chains in aqueous solution, induced so as to accommodate cross complexation with the cations, would be embodied into a tridimensional matrix created through an organoalkoxysilane sol-gel scheme. The presence of Cu(II) in the synthesis of the composites did not result in the production of significantly stronger Cu(II)-oriented binding arrangements, and therefore, the imprinting was not successful.

High-Performance Electrochromic Devices Based on Poly[Ni(salen)]-Type Polymer Films.

We report the application of two poly[Ni(salen)]-type electroactive polymer films as new electrochromic materials. The two films, poly[Ni(3-Mesalen)] (poly[1]) and poly[Ni(3-MesaltMe)] (poly[2]), were successfully electrodeposited onto ITO/PET flexible substrates, and their voltammetric characterization revealed that poly[1] showed similar redox profiles in LiClO4/CH3CN and LiClO4/propylene carbonate (PC), while poly[2] showed solvent-dependent electrochemical responses. Both films showed multielectrochromic behavior, exhibiting yellow, green, and russet colors according to their oxidation state, and promising electrochromic properties with high electrochemical stability in LiClO4/PC supporting electrolyte.

Novel layer-by-layer interfacial [Ni(salen)]-polyelectrolyte hybrid films.

A novel multilayer film containing a cationic phosphonium-derivatized Ni(salen)-type complex and poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate (NaPSS) was assembled onto quartz, mica, and metal surfaces using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. Spectroscopic (UV-vis) and gravimetric (QCM) responses for the multilayer films show regular stepwise growth and the signature of strong electrostatic interactions between the component layers. The gravimetric responses indicate the presence of substantial additional (net neutral) material in the PSS layers, which XPS shows is not polyelectrolyte or salt, so charge compensation is intrinsic; we deduce the presence of space-filling solvent.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of polyelectrolyte multilayer modified gold electrodes: influence of supporting electrolyte and temperature.

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry are employed to characterize poly(styrenesulfonate)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) multilayers assembled onto cysteamine-modified gold surfaces. The influence of the supporting electrolyte and temperature on the impedance response is studied because of both its practical interest and the need to test further the capillary membrane model recently developed by Barreira et al. [J.