Influence of disordered morphology on electrochromic stability of WO3/PPy

• Published in: Journal of alloys and compounds Vol. 669; pp. 240 - 245
• Main Authors: Gaikwad, Digambar K., Mali, Sawanta S., Hong, Chang K., Kadam, Anamika V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 05.06.2016
• Subjects: Chemical bath deposition; Cyclic voltammetry; Electrodeposition; Polypyrrole; Tungsten oxide; Cyclic voltammetry; Tungsten oxide; Electrodeposition; Chemical bath deposition; Polypyrrole
• ISSN: 0925-8388; 1873-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jallcom.2016.01.226

Tungsten oxide (WO3) films are critical for smart windows because of their capacity of varying the throughput of visible light and solar energy. This study highlights the evolution of structural and morphological changes of electrodeposited WO3 thin films coated with polypyrrole (PPy) by using chemical bath deposition. The structural and surface properties of WO3 thin films were studied using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical stability was inspected using repetitive cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles for each sample in LiClO4-PC electrolyte for prolonged periods. The results showed an improvement in the electrochemical stability after the CV study. Mechanism: A schematic of the mechanism is proposed in above fig. The mechanism is based on three step process: (i) WO3 coated on ITO by electrodeposition followed by thermal treatment. It produces ordered nanoarrayed morphology. (ii) A second step involving deposition of PPy by chemical bath deposition on ITO. It possesses globular morphology. (iii) When PPy coated on WO3, PPy applies shearing force on WO3 and produces disordered nanoarrayed morphology. [Display omitted] •Nanoarrayed WO3/PPy composite was synthesized.•Interplanar spacing enhances due to PPy coating.•PPy applies shearing force on WO3 produces disordered morphology.•Nanocomposite showed high stability in LiClO4-PC.