Novel twisted-structure polymer electrode material with intrinsic pores for high-performance electrochromic supercapacitor†

This study presents the innovative design and synthesis of a 3DMAC-EDOT monomer, featuring inherent porosity and a significant torsional angle, for advanced energy storage and electrochromic applications. The monomer incorporates a calix[3]acridan ring as the central donor (D) and EDOT as the acceptor (A). It is subsequently fabricated into a polymer film through electrochemical polymerization. This polymer film demonstrates outstanding electrochromic (EC) and energy storage capabilities, characterized by a reversible color shift from yellow-green to gray-black, a high coloring efficiency of 251.2 cm² C⁻¹, and stable optical performance over 6000 s of cycling. It also features rapid color switching (1 s/2.4 s at 1100 nm) and a significant specific capacitance of 4.76 mF cm⁻², with excellent cycling stability, retaining 81.5% of its initial capacitance after 1000 cycles. Furthermore, the polymer was utilized to construct an EC supercapacitor device, effectively integrating energy storage and EC technologies into a single unit. This integration enables visual energy detection through color visualization of stored energy levels, offering a novel approach to energy management. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of achieving optimal performance by rationally designing the molecular structure of D–A–D conjugated polymers. The study highlights the potential of 3DMAC-EDOT-based materials in advancing energy storage and EC technologies, paving the way for innovative applications in various fields.