Trifunctional CdSe quantum dots-polymer composite film with electrochromic, electrofluorescent and light-induced coloration effects

A novel composite CdSe quantum dots (QDs)-polymer film achieving tri-function of electrochromic, electrofluorescent and light-induced coloration effects was deposited. Combining the advantages of both CdSe QDs and conjugated electrochromic polymers, the composite film presents excellent electrochromic properties with low redox potential, high optical contrast and fast response time. In addition, it achieves enhanced performance that the composite film could switch between non-fluorescent and fluorescent state, in which the photoluminescence (PL) intensity is more than twice that of pristine polymer film. Furthermore, the material can gradually become self-colored from bleached state under the irradiation of sunlight. Therefore, the trifunctional composite film may pave a new way for designing energy-saving electrochromic and electrofluorescent device in the future.