Study of the electrochromic properties of MAPLE and PLD deposited WO3 thin films

• Tungsten trioxide (WO3) thin films were grown by matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) and pulsed laser deposition (PLD), and their properties were investigated for electrochromic applications. The structure, morphology and optical properties of these MAPLE and PLD grown from monoclinic WO3 nano-sized particles WO3 thin films were also studied. A KrF* excimer (λ=248 nm, ζFWHM=25 ns) laser source was used in all experiments. The films were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM), grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Cyclic voltammetry measurements were also performed in glove box with Ar atmosphere towards Li electrode, and the coloring and bleaching states were investigated. The morpho-structural investigations disclosed the synthesis of single-phase monoclinic WO3 films consisting of crystalline nano-grains embedded in an amorphous matrix. All thin films showed good electrochromic properties - strong coloration and fast and full bleaching. The effect was observed for many cycles, the strong coloration and full bleaching being preserved. These results are promising for future application of MAPLE and PLD deposited WO3 thin films in the development of electrochromic devices.

Nyckelord

matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation

WO3

electrochromism

Engineering Science with specialization in Solid State Physics

Teknisk fysik med inriktning mot fasta tillståndets fysik

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