Electrochromism in sol-gel deposited TiO2 films

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Abstract
Electrochromism is sol-gel deposited TiO2 films and films containing TiO2 and WO3 has been observed. The films are deposited by dip-coating from a precursor containing titanium isopropoxide in ethanol or titanium propoxide in ethanol, and after deposition the films are heat treated to between 250 degree(s)C and 300 degree(s)C. The films do not show any signs of crystallinity. However substantial coloration is observed using Li+ ions in a non-aqueous electrolyte, both in pure TiO2 films and in mixed metal oxide films (WO3:TiO2), although the voltage required to produce coloration is different in the two cases. Results will be presented detailing the optical switching and charge transport properties of the films during cyclic voltammetry. These results will be used to compare the performance of the TiO2 films with other electrochromics. The TiO2 and mixed metal films all color cathodically, and the colored state is a neutral greyish color for TiO2, while the bleached state is transparent and colorless, Results on coloration efficiency and the stability under repeated electrochemical cycling will also be presented. The neutral color of the TiO2 films and mixed-metal films means that electrochromic windows based on TiO2 may have significant advantages over WO3-based windows. A detailed analysis of the optical properties of the colored state of the films will be presented. The dynamics of coloration for these films is also under investigation, and preliminary results will be presented.

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