Eco-friendly nebulized spray deposition of bifunctional anatase TiO2 thin films exhibiting multicolor switching and efficient NH3 gas sensing at room temperature

Recently, the preparation of TiO2 thin film with multifunctional properties has caused great interest among researchers for designing novel technological applications. In this aspect, an eco-friendly approach to spray deposition was employed to prepare TiO2 thin films for efficient electrochromic and room temperature gas sensing applications. The phase, morphology, topography, compositional and electrical properties of TiO2 thin films were studied by various characterization techniques. The electrochemical measurements showed that the film deposited at 350 degrees C exhibits excellent electrochromic properties with high coloration efficiency (240 cm(2) C-1), faster response time (2.5 s) and a consistent stability up to 1000 cycles. In addition, the film deposited at 350 degrees C showed an efficient sensing of NH3 gas (as low as 5 ppm concentration) at room temperature operating condition. The interconnected pyramidal shaped nanoparticle network and the anatase-brookite biphasic nature enhances the electrochromic and gas sensing behavior of TiO2 films deposited at 350 degrees C.