Conductive polymers synthesized by vacuum vapour phase polymerization (VPP) were investigated and optimized by changing the oxidant solution and VPP chamber parameters for their incorporation into ‘smart window’ electrochromic devices. Additionally, the interaction of two oxidant solutions with typical electrode materials (aluminium and indium tin oxide) were examined with respect to material etching, device cosmetics and long term device degradation (over 10 000 switch cycles). Devices made with conducting polymers synthesized with the oxidant Fe(Tos)3 rather than FeCl3 produced superior device performance with respect to optical switching range (%T), switch speed and optical relaxation.

The one step fabrication of nanocomposite films of conducting polymers with 2D nanoparticles is investigated in this study. Specifically, the inclusion of nanomaterials (single layer graphene, single layer molybdenum disulfide) within PEDOT is achieved using the vapor phase polymerization (VPP) technique. This facile process allows for the formation of thin films of the order of less than 200 nm, which display a wide range of enhanced properties (mechanical, optical, and electrochemical). Herein, in a typical example with added graphene (<0.003% w/w), the in-plane modulus of the film is increased to 145 GPa (ca. 65% increase above PEDOT−Tos) without any decrease in light transmission or lowering of conductivity. Furthermore, the nanocomposite outperforms both the PEDOT−Tos film and a Pt substrate in the reduction of oxygen when acting as an air-electrode.