Electrochromism and electrochromic devices of new extended viologen derivatives with various substituent benzene

New electrochromic devices based on six extended viologen derivatives with various aromatic substituents were manufactured and systematically investigated. With the introduction of various substituents, six extended viologen derivatives exhibit an unprecedented electrochromic property among previous researches on viologens. Electrochromic devices containing these derivatives as the working electrode present vivid color changes, high optical contrast, fast response and excellent durability. Additionally, the extended skeletal pyridine π-system endows these viologens derivatives with unanticipated electrofluorochromic behavior, which provides the devices of these extended viologens multifunction. To sum up, preeminent optical and electrical performances indicate that these extended viologen derivatives are promising for new-generation electrochromic applications.