Abstract
Polymer electrochemical cells have been reported to emit light. The current and light output increase rapidly with voltage, apparently beyond 2V. The polymer is an ionic conductor as well as an electronic (electron/hole) conductor, i.e. a mixed ionic-electronic conductor (MIEC).
The I-V relations are explained here to be those of an MIEC of a particular defect model placed between two ion blocking electrodes. This MIEC defect model assumes a large concentration of mobile ions and small concentrations of electrons and holes. A p and an n region are formed in the MIEC. However, there is no space charge within the MIEC and it stays neutral. The resulting I-V relations are exponential. A good fit to the experimental data is obtained when electrode over-potential and heating of the polymer under current are taken into consideration.
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Riess, I., Cahen, D. Light Emitting Electrochemical Cells as Mixed Ionic Electronic Conductors. MRS Online Proceedings Library 548, 687–694 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-548-687
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-548-687