Enhanced Electrochromic Performance Based on Conducting Polymer/ZnO Nanocomposites

Conducting polymers have been increasingly studied owing to their diverse colors, high optical contrast, fast switching speed and good processibility for various electrochromic (EC) applications, such as smart windows, reflecting mirrors and thin flat panel displays. However, practical applications need to meet several requirements, including a multicolor display, ultrafast switching speed and excellent long-term stability. Conducting polymer-inorganic nanocomposite has drawn more attention since they can combine the advantages of both components, and may offer special properties through the reinforcement or modification of each other.^1-2 In this paper, conducting polymer/ZnO nanocomposites were fabricated via solvent thermal or electrodeposition combining with electropolymerization method. The effect of different ZnO nanostructures (such as nanoridges, nanorods, nanosheets) on the properties of electrochromic composites were investigated. The results demonstrate that the electrochromic performances of conducting polymers are significantly enhanced by incorporating with different ZnO nanostructures. Moreover, the possible mechanism for the enhanced properties is proposed that the introduction of ZnO nanostructures can shorten the diffusion distance and provide larger contact area, which facile the ion doping/dedoping and enhance the adhesion between the polymer and the electrode, resulting in higher optical contrast, faster switching speed and more excellent electrochemical stability.

References

1. K. Choi, S. J. Yoo, Y. E. Sung, R. Zentel, Chem. Mater., 18, 5823 (2006).

2. R. J. Mortimer, A. L. Dyer, J. R. Reynolds, Displays, 27, 2 (2006).

Figure. 1 SEM photos and the contrast of elelctrochromic properties between polymer and nanocomposite