Electrochromic NiOxHy,hydrated films: cyclic voltammetry and ac impedance spectroscopy in aqueous electrolyte

The characteristics of the electrochromic process of sputtered hydrated nickel oxide films have been investigated by cyclic voltainmetry, in situ optical transmittance and ac impedance spectroscopy. The results indicate that the state of coloration of these films is related to the conditions used to drive the electrochromic process, whose kinetics at high positive potentials become controlled by ion diffusion into and from the nickel oxide structure.     

氧化铑变色薄膜的制备及其电变色研究

采用溶胶-凝胶方法制备了氧化铑电致变色薄膜。通过施加阴极或阳极电位, 薄膜在碱性电解液中呈现从亮黄（还原态）到深绿（氧化态）的可塑颜色变化,而 且可达到上千次循环而性能不变。采用XRD,SEM,TG,DTA,UVV,FTIR和循环伏安 等技术对薄膜的晶态、形貌、热处理过程和电变色过程进行了研究。得出100 ℃处 理的膜内含有一定量的结晶水,其性能最好。对薄膜的电致变色性能如：着色效率 、响应时间及循环寿命、开路记忆等进行了测试,并讨论了氧化铑薄膜电变色的反 应机理。     

氧化铑电致变色薄膜的制备、结构及性能

采用溶胶_凝胶方法在ITO导电基底上制备氧化铑电致变色薄膜 .当在碱性溶液中对薄膜分别施加阴极和阳极电位时 ,薄膜即呈现由亮黄到深绿的可逆变化 .采用原位XRD、TG_DTA、IR、XPS等方法对薄膜的结晶态、热处理过程以及膜的化学组成进行分析 .应用交流阻抗法计算了薄膜变色过程的扩散系数 ,结果表明该膜基本可以用于变色器件     

Electrochromic nickel oxide films made by reactive r.f. sputtering from different targets

We describe the preparation and optical–electrical characterization of thin electrochromic layers based on nickel oxide (NiO_x). These layers were deposited by reactive radiofrequency (r.f.) sputtering from nickel or nickel oxide targets, maintaining the r.f. power and varying the oxygen flow in a gas mixture of Ar and O₂ from 5% up to 30%. The Ni/O ratio in the deposited thin films was determined by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) and the microstructure was investigated by x‐ray diffraction. The deposition rate was found to be strongly dependent on the type of target used. The electrochromic behaviour in aqueous alkaline electrolyte (0.1 N KOH solution) was investigated by electrochemical cyclization. Samples deposited by the NiO target exhibited the lowest N/O ratio (0.5) and the highest value of intercalated charge (～4.9 × 10^?2 mC cm^?2 nm^?1). Among the same samples the highest value of the intercalated charge was found for those deposited at low oxygen flow, but these samples exhibit the smallest reversible changes in optical absorption in the wavelength range 330–1200 nm. Samples deposited by the nickel target do not exhibit significant variations in the value of the exchanged charge; the measured Ni/O ratio indicates a stoichiometry closer to NiO. We also observed the switching behaviour by analysing the films in cyclic time mode at a fixed wavelength. The commutation response time is estimated by measurement under the application of a step waveform potential. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nanostructured NiO based all solid state electrochromic device

A nickel oxide film with a thickness of 445 nm was deposited from nickel acetate precursor using the sol–gel dip coating method. The NiO films exhibit optical transmission of 84% at 550 nm and direct energy gap (E _gd) value is 3.64 eV. The FTIR spectrum of the films confirms the formation of Ni–O bond. XRD spectrum reveals the formation of nano crystallites along (111) and (200) planes with a particle size of 17 nm. The electrochromic properties have been studied using cyclic voltammetric (CV) technique. The optical transmission of a glass/FTO/NiO/ZrO₂/FTO/glass EC device is reported.     

Fabricating polypyrrole/tungsten oxide hybrid based electrochromic devices using different ionic liquids

A facile approach of polypyrrole (PPy)/tungsten oxide (WO₃) composites electrosynthesized in ionic liquids for fabrication of electrochromic devices is discussed. The electrochromic properties of PPy/tungsten oxide nanocomposite films (PPy/WO₃) prepared in the presence of four different ionic liquids, 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIMBF₄), 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF₆), 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (BMIMTFSI), and 1‐butyl‐1‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (BMPTFSI) were investigated in detail. Cyclic voltammetry results revealed that PPy/WO₃ nanocomposite films have much more electrochemical activity than those of WO₃ and PPy film. The electrochromic contrast, coloration efficiency, and switching speed of the composite films were determined for electrochromic characteristics. The maximum contrast and the maximum coloration efficiency values were measured as 33.25% and 227.89 cm²/C for the PPy/WO₃/BMIMTFSI composite film. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Light-powered cell for detection of glucose with the naked eye

A concept for light-powered visual detection of glucose is developed. The detection mechanism is based on pairing a photo-active anode with an electrochromic counter electrode. The photoelectrochemical reaction changes the oxidation state of the analyte, leading to a change in the color of the electrochromic material, which makes visual detection possible. All of the electrical charge required to change the color of the electrochromic material is supplied by the photoelectrochemical reaction powered by visible light, so no conventional energy source is required. The proposed system consists of hematite modified with nickel hydroxide (Ni(OH)₂) as the photoanode, and Prussian blue deposited on a fluorine-doped tin oxide electrode as the electrochromic cathode. Under illumination, photo-oxidation of glucose at the photoanode is followed by reduction of Prussian blue to Prussian white at the cathode. The presence of glucose can therefore be detected visually as decolorization of Prussian blue occurs.     

The role of thermal analysis in optimization of the electrochromic effect of nickel oxide thin films, prepared by the sol–gel method: Part II

Thin films and the corresponding xerogels were prepared from nickel acetate precursor using the sol–gel dip-coating technique. The differences in thermal stability of the two forms of samples were studied by dynamic and isothermal thermogravimetry. For thin films, the onset decomposition temperature of acetate groups was 230 °C and for the xerogel 250 °C. During thermal decomposition, the formation of nanosized nickel oxide took place. Carbonate ions, which were formed during thermal decompostion of acetate groups, remained either free or bidentately coordinated to nickel. In situ monochromatic optical transmittance changes showed that an optical stability up to the 100th cycle was already achieved for films heated for 15 min at the isothermal temperature (thermal decompositon 25%). Comparison of the results obtained for nickel sulfate (Part I) and nickel acetate precursors shows that at least two parameters, the precursor used and the degree of thermal treatment, have considerable influence on the thermal stability of the thin film and also on its electrochromic response during the cycling process.     

Model of electrochromic and related phenomena in tungsten oxide thin films

We have developed a model of electrochromic and related phenomena in tungsten oxide thin films based on the assumption that the constitution of such films is heterogeneous and built up of nanosized particles, pores and adsorbed substances (mainly water). It is discussed why a high-efficiency reversible blue colour is observed in amorphous tungsten oxide films (α-WO₃ films) as well as why such porous thin films with polycrystalline or amorphous constitution and with a variety of particle properties can be easily obtained by a physical vapour deposition process in a low-pressure atmosphere in the presence of water. A substrate temperature in the range 450–550 K corresponds to some plateau on the water desorption curves which divided physically adsorbed water from chemically adsorbed water. Two types of structural units based on tetrahedrally and octahedrally coordinated tungsten ions have the main role in the formation of the film constitution. The tetrahedral structural units have a glass-forming function, but the octahedral ones have a modification function. From the electrochemistry point of view, the internal multiphase interfaces in such films are distributed multiphase electrodes. The adsorbed water together with defects of the oxide particles provide reagents for reversible coloration reactions in the film. The colour centres can be induced thermally (oxygen nonstoichiometry) or electrically (injected ions) or by radiation (photoinjected hydrogen). The electrochromism and related phenomenon of α-WO₃ films can be directly related to ion insertion/extraction processes controlled by external forces. Electronic Publication     

无模板电化学沉积法制备多孔WO3·2H2O薄膜及其电致变色性能

二水合氧化钨(WO₃·2H₂O)因其独特的层状结构且富含层间结构水,与无水WO₃相比显示出更加优异的电致变色性能。我们采用简单、无模板的阴极电化学沉积方法,成功在氧化铟锡(ITO)导电玻璃基底上制备了WO₃·2H₂O薄膜。通过改变电沉积液中过氧化氢(H₂O₂)的加入量优化沉积液的成分,获得了具有纳米多孔结构的薄膜。由此制备的WO₃·2H₂O薄膜显示出大的光学对比度(633nm处的光学对比度大于90%)、快速的响应速度(着色、褪色时间均小于10s),以及良好的循环稳定性(经10000次循环后,光学对比度仍保持在90%左右)。     

无模板电化学沉积法制备多孔WO3·2H2O薄膜及其电致变色性能

二水合氧化钨(WO₃·2H₂O)因其独特的层状结构且富含层间结构水,与无水WO₃相比显示出更加优异的电致变色性能。我们采用简单、无模板的阴极电化学沉积方法,成功在氧化铟锡(ITO)导电玻璃基底上制备了WO₃·2H₂O薄膜。通过改变电沉积液中过氧化氢(H₂O₂)的加入量优化沉积液的成分,获得了具有纳米多孔结构的薄膜。由此制备的WO₃·2H₂O薄膜显示出大的光学对比度(633 nm处的光学对比度大于90%)、快速的响应速度(着色、褪色时间均小于10 s),以及良好的循环稳定性(经10 000次循环后,光学对比度仍保持在90%左右)。     

Electrochemical deposition of electrochromic niobium oxide films from an acidic solution of niobium peroxo complexes

Deposition of electrochromic niobium(V) oxide films from an acidic solution of niobium peroxo complexes on a transparent conducting cathode in the form of an SnO₂ film on glass was studied. With an increase in the negative potential of the deposition of niobium(V) oxide films from a solution of niobium peroxo complexes at pH 2.5, the structure and composition of the films changed. A study of the electrochromic properties of Nb₂O₅ films revealed broadening of the bands in the electrochromic coloration spectrum with an increase in the negative potential of the deposition.     

Structural and Electrochromic Properties of Co-Oxide and Co/Al/Si-Oxide Films Prepared by the Sol-Gel Dip Coating Technique

The sol-gel dip-coating technique was used for depositing cubic spinel Co₃O₄ and amorphous Co/Al/Si-oxide thin films. Both types of films exhibit similar electrochrochemical properties which are accompanied by the hydration of the structure. The electrochromic properties of Co/Al/Si-oxide surpass those already known for Co-oxide based electrochromic materials. The change in transmittance for spinel Co₃O₄ is 25%, while for Co/Al/Si-oxide films exceeds 50%. The electrochromic efficiency () for Co₃O₄ and Co/Al/Si-oxide films was 22 cm² C^-1, which is comparable to other electrochromic oxides. Good electrochromic properties of the Co/Al/Si-oxide films make them promising materials for active counter electrode in electrochromic devices.     

Synthesis and characterization of chemically grown electrochromic tungsten oxide

Tungsten oxide thin films, which are cathodic coloration materials that are used in electrochromic devices, were prepared by a chemical growth method and their electrochromic properties were investigated. The thin films of WO₃ were deposited onto electrically conducting substrates: fluorine doped tin oxide coated glass (FTO) with sheet resistance of about 10 Ω/cm. Transparent, uniform and strongly adherent thin film samples of WO₃ were studied for their structural, morphological, optical and electrochromic properties. The XRD data confirmed the monoclinic crystal structure of WO₃ thin films. The direct band gap Eg for the films was found to be 2.95 eV which is good for electrochromic device application. The electrochromism of WO₃ thin film was evaluated in 0.5 M LiClO₄/propylene carbonate for Li⁺ intercalation. Electrochromic properties of WO₃ thin films were studied with the help of Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Chronoamperometry (CA) and Chronocoulometry (CC) techniques.     

Trace H2O2‐Assisted High‐Capacity Tungsten Oxide Electrochromic Batteries with Ultrafast Charging in Seconds

A recent technological trend in the field of electrochemical energy storage is to integrate energy storage and electrochromism functions in one smart device, which can establish efficient user–device interactions based on a friendly human‐readable output. This type of newly born energy storage technology has drawn tremendous attention. However, there is still plenty of room for technological and material innovation, which would allow advancement of the research field. A prototype Al‐tungsten oxide electrochromic battery with interactive color‐changing behavior is reported. With the assistance of trace amount of H₂O₂, the battery exhibits a specific capacity almost seven times that for the reported electrochromic batteries, up to 429 mAh g^?1. Fast decoloration of the reduced tungsten oxide affords a very quick charging time of only eight seconds, which possibly comes from an intricate combination of structure and valence state changes of tungsten oxide. This unique combination of features may further advance the development of smart energy storage devices with suitability for user–device interactions.     

MoO_3电致变色薄膜的XPS研究

近年来 ,随着人们提倡节能和使用洁净能源 ,无机电致变色材料在建筑物采光控制系统和反射率可调表面的应用研究 ,已成为材料领域的一个新热点 .WO3、 MoO3等过渡金属氧化物薄膜具有良好的电致变色效应 ,是人们研究的重点 .其中 MoO3的电致变色效果要好于 IrO2、 TiOx、 CoO及 NiOx等电致变色材料 [1],而且它在可见光区有比 WO3更柔和的色彩 ,使人眼更易于适应其颜色变化 .着色态的 MoO3称为钼青铜 ,其开路记忆也好于钨青铜 [2].故 MoO3电致变色薄膜是极有潜力用于实用化的电致变色器件 .MoO3薄膜常用的制备方法有真空蒸 发、化学气…     

MoO3电致变色薄膜的XPS研究

Molybdenum oxide films were fabricated successfully by spin coating from Li＋ doped peroxo polymolybdate solution via sol gel technique.Their electrochemical and electrochromic properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and in situ UV transmittance measurements.The results showed that the films possessed excellent electrochemical stability and reversibility.The electrochromic mechanism of the MoO3 was discussed by using results obtained from X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).The results showed that the most part of the Mo6＋ in MoO3 film was reduced to Mo5＋ and Mo4＋ ions during the Li＋ intercalation process,Mo4＋ was oxidized to Mo5＋ and part of Mo5＋ was oxidized to Mo6＋ again during the Li＋ deintercalation process.So it was considered that Mo4＋ ions existed in the colored MoO3 films.     

Optical Gas Sensing Properties of Silica Film Doped with Cobalt Oxide Nanocrystals

SiO₂ sol-gel films doped with cobalt oxide nanocrystals have been fabricated. The nanocrystals precipitate in the glass film at 500_°C, while the film is still porous. The nanocomposite films showed a reversible change in the optical transmittance when exposed to CO in the 250 < < 850 nm range. The effects of the residual porosity and testing temperature have been studied. The gas sensing properties of the cobalt oxide nanocrystals doped films are compared with those of nickel oxide nanocrystals doped silica film, previously reported.     

The influence of annealing on electrochromic properties of Al–B–NiO thin films prepared by sol–gel

Al–B–NiO thin films were prepared using the sol–gel process and deposited on Indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass substrates via the dip-coating technique for the purpose of developing high performance electrochromic materials. The influence of the anneal on the structural and electrochromic properties of Al–B–NiO films is reported. Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA), cyclic voltammetry measurements (CV), UV spectrophotometer, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used to investigate the structural and electrochromic properties. The thickness of the films was determined by spectrophotometric analysis in 350–1,000 nm wavelength. Results showed that the Al–B–NiO thin films treated at high temperature have both the excellent electrochromic properties and good reversibility. The transmittance change (ΔT) of the film treated at 500 °C reaches still ~50% at the wavelength of 550 nm. The microstructure and the surface morphology were considered to play an important role in the electrochromic properties with different temperatures.     

Coordinative supramolecular assembly of electrochromic thin films

The article is concerned with the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of electrochromic films using coordinative interactions between compounds. At first the concepts of coordinative supramolecular assembly are explained and examples are presented. Subsequently electrochromic LbL assemblies prepared upon electrostatic and/or coordinative interactions are briefly discussed. In the focus of the article are films of terpyridine(tpy)-functionalized polyiminoarylene metal ion complexes, which are prepared upon coordinative LbL assembly of the tpy-substituted polyiminoarylenes and metal ions. The films exhibit reversible electrochromic behavior with high contrast and fast response times. It is demonstrated that the electrochromic behavior of the films can be modified by a variation of polymer structure, metal ions, and counterions.