ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces and discusses, at a very basic (first year university) level, the principles and practical aspects of organic electrochromic materials and devices. It aims to give a foundation from which to peruse the electrochromic literature, rather than present a review of that literature. Basic definitions, spectral regions, and transmission vs. reflectancemode devices are presented first. Basic electrochemistry, essential for an understanding of electrochromic devices is presented. A subsection discusses conducting polymers (CPs), perhaps the most important type of electrochromic materials. Basic electrochromic devices are then presented, from a fundamental as well as practical point of view. Methodology, terminology, and metrics used to characterize and qualify electrochromic devices and materials are discussed. Unique features of transmission-mode and reflectance-mode devices, of electrochromism in the visible vs. IR and other spectral regions, and of practical applications of these, are discussed in some detail.
