TiO2-WO3 Composite Nanotubes by Alloy Anodization: Growth and Enhanced Electrochromic Properties

The present work demonstrates that uniform and highly ordered arrays of TiO2-WO3 nanotubes can be grown by anodization of Ti alloys in an ethylene glycol/fluoride based electrolyte under selected electrochemical conditions. These aligned mixed oxide nanotube structures are highly suitable for enhanced electrochromic reactions; in particular we show that already small amounts of WO3 (such as 0.2 at%) present in the tube oxide drastically improve the electrochromic properties (contrast, onset potential, cycling stability) of nanotube layer based devices.