Comparative Study of Electrochromic Supercapacitor Electrodes Based on PEDOT:PSS/ITO Fabricated via Spray and Electrospray Methods

Abstract

PEDOT:PSS stands out as a leading commercial conducting polymer due to its excellent water dispersibility, controllable miscibility, adjustable conductivity, and ability to form films through various techniques. This study investigates the electrochemical and electrochromic performance of electrodes prepared by depositing PEDOT:PSS onto ITO surfaces by using two distinct methods: conventional spray coating and electrospray deposition. Detailed characterization of the prepared electrodes was performed by using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. Our findings reveal that electrodes fabricated via electrospray deposition (PEDOT:PSS/ITO electrode_2) significantly outperform those made by spray coating (PEDOT:PSS/ITO electrode_1). Specifically, electrode_2 exhibits a capacitance of 1678.60 μF cm⁻², compared to 826.14 μF cm⁻² for electrode_1, at a current density of 10 μA cm⁻². PEDOT:PSS electrodes exhibit areal energy densities of 0.41 and 0.84 mW h cm⁻², along with power densities of 4.96 and 4.97 μW cm⁻², respectively. Moreover, electrode_2 demonstrates a high coloration efficiency of 84.32 cm² C⁻¹ and fast response times of 1.36 s for coloration and 0.98 s for bleaching. This study highlights the advantages of electrospray deposition over traditional methods, showcasing the potential of electrospray-prepared PEDOT:PSS electrodes for use in multifunctional energy storage devices.