Electrochromic performance of reactive plasma-sputtered NiOx thin films on flexible PET/ITO substrates for flexible electrochromic devices

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology Vol. 205; pp. S216 - S221
• Main Authors: Lin, Yung-Sen, Chen, Po-Wen, Lin, Di-Jiun, Chuang, Pei-Ying, Tsai, Tsung-Hsien, Shiah, Yui-Chuin, Yu, Yueh-Chung
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier 25.12.2010
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Devices; Driving; Electric potential; Electrochromism; Exact sciences and technology; Indium tin oxide; Intercalation; Materials science; Metals. Metallurgy; Methods of deposition of films and coatings; film growth and epitaxy; Nickel; Physics; Polyethylene terephthalates; Production techniques; Surface treatment; Surface treatments; Thin films; Thin films; Cyclic voltammetry; Plasma; Flexible substrate; Surface treatments; Electrochromism; Nickel oxide; Sputtering; Sputter
• ISSN: 0257-8972
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2010.07.088

Electrochromic properties of NiOx (nickel oxide) thin films sputtered on 40I[copy/a-! flexible PET (polyethylene terephthalate)/ITO (indium tin oxide) substrates were investigated. Metallic Ni target, sputtered by radio frequency (r.f.) power with argon gases and reacted with oxygen gases at room temperature (23A degree C), was proven to provide significant electrochromic properties. Cyclic voltammetry switching measurements found that only low driving voltages from a degree 0.6V to 1V were needed to provide reversible Li+ ion intercalation and deintercalation. Light modulation with up to 40% of transmittance variation, optical density change of 0.354 and color efficiency of 67cm2/C at a wavelength of 550nm were obtained for 1100 cycles of Li+ intercalation and deintercalation in a 1M LiClO4-PC (propylene carbonate) electrolyte.