(5e) Polymer Thin Film Nanoassemblies for Electrochemical Energy Conversion Devices

The increasing global focus on alternative energy sources has led to an interest in electrochemical energy conversion devices such as proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly is a robust technique for the fabrication of solid state ultrathin film electrolytes for these devices. This approach presents strong advantages as it allows the incorporation of many different functional materials within a single thin film at a full range of compositions with exceptional homogeneity. Application of these functional thin films toward a number of electrochemical device systems such as PEMFCs and DSSCs are discussed. In addition, the electrical and optical properties of electrochromic devices (ECDs) based on conjugated polymers are discussed, along with the application of a number of patterning techniques to prepare electrodes for organic electronic devices. Truly all-organic ECDs are demonstrated by replacing conventional transparent metal oxide electrodes with a highly conducting polymer.