A facile preparation of SiO_2/PEDOT core/shell nanoparticle composite film for electrochromic device

摘要

In this paper, we report an electrochromic device (ECD) using novel silica/ poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (SiO2/PEDOT) core/shell nanoparticle film as electrode. The SiO2/PEDOT core/shell nanocomposite film was prepared by a facile in situ chemical oxidative polymerization method. Compared with the pure PEDOT film, the SiO2/PEDOT nanocomposite film exhibits shorter response time (1.8s for bleaching and 1.4s for coloring), higher coloration efficiency (247.6cm(2)/C) and better cycling stability (sustaining 81.8% of its initial optical contrast after switching 5000s). The improved electrochromic performances are attributed to the core/shell nanostructures, which can make ion diffusion easier and provide larger surface area for charge-transfer reactions. Moreover, the ECD based on SiO2/PEDOT film also exhibits good electrochromic performances and has potential applications in smart windows, automobile anti-glare rearview mirrors and energy saving displays.