Improved electrochromic performance in sprayed WO3 thin films upon Sb doping

We report for the first time improved electrochromic properties of tungsten oxide (WO3) nanocrystalline thin films upon Sb doping. The Sb-doped WO3 films were deposited by cost effective spray pyrolysis technique. The structural and morphological studies of the as-deposited films have been carried out by grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). XRD analyses reveal polycrystalline monoclinic nature of the as-deposited films. The electrochromic behaviours of the films have been studied in an electrochemical analyzer using a three-electrode electrochemical cell, and 0.01 M H2SO4 solution (aqueous) as electrolyte. The charge storage capacity, electrochemical stability and reversibility of the films as well as H+ ion diffusion coefficient in the films during coloration/decoloration process improve upon Sb doping and are optimal for 20 at% Sb dopant concentration. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.