Advances in Polymer Electrolytes for Electrochromic Applications

This chapter illustrates the most significant aspects of lithium polymer electrolytes from solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) to gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) that are extensively used in the Electrochromic (EC) applications. Polymer electrolytes that are used in EC applications can be classified into four groups, namely SPEs, GELs, semi-SPEs, polyelectrolytes and composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs). Polymer electrolytes serve to transport ions to and from the electrochromic thin film in EC devices. The chapter concentrates on some plasticised systems that have received much more attention from a practical viewpoint in the EC applications. This includes PEO/PEG, PMMA, PVDF and ionic liquid–based polymer electrolytes. With biodegradable polymer electrolyte, the environmental pollution resulted from battery disposal can be alleviated. Unlike liquid electrolyte, polymer electrolytes are highly advantageous in terms of enhanced protection and stability, can act as a novel separator, wider potential window, chemical and electrochemical stability and confinement to specific area.