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Enhancing the Spectroelectrochemical Performance of WO<sub>3</sub> Films by Use of Structure-Directing Agents during Film Growth
oleh: Thi Hai Quyen Nguyen, Florian Eberheim, Sophie Göbel, Pascal Cop, Marius Eckert, Tim P. Schneider, Lukas Gümbel, Bernd M. Smarsly, Derck Schlettwein
Format: | Article |
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Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2022-02-01 |
Deskripsi
Thin, porous films of WO<sub>3</sub> were fabricated by solution-based synthesis via spin-coating using polyethylene glycol (PEG), a block copolymer (PIB<sub>50</sub>-<i>b</i>-PEO<sub>45</sub>), or a combination of PEG and PIB<sub>50</sub>-<i>b</i>-PEO<sub>45</sub> as structure-directing agents. The influence of the polymers on the composition and porosity of WO<sub>3</sub> was investigated by microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and gas sorption analysis. The electrochromic performance of the WO<sub>3</sub> thin films was characterized with LiClO<sub>4</sub> in propylene carbonate as electrolyte. To analyze the intercalation of the Li<sup>+</sup> ions, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were performed on films in a pristine or reduced state. The use of PEG led to networks of micropores allowing fast reversible electrochromic switching with a high modulation of the optical transmittance and a high coloration efficiency. The use of PIB<sub>50</sub>-<i>b</i>-PEO<sub>45</sub> provided isolated spherical mesopores leading to an electrochromic performance similar to compact WO<sub>3</sub>, only. Optimum characteristics were obtained in films which had been prepared in the presence of both, PEG and PIB<sub>50</sub>-<i>b</i>-PEO<sub>45</sub>, since WO<sub>3</sub> films with mesopores were obtained that were interconnected by a microporous network and showed a clear progress in electrochromic switching beyond compact or microporous WO<sub>3</sub>.