Electrochemical properties of amorphous WO3 coatings grown on polycarbonate by aerosol-assisted CVD

Tungsten oxide coatings are chemically vapor deposited on polycarbonate via aerosol assisted at 125 degrees C. The effect of the Ar:O-2 ratio on the structural, morphological and electrochemical properties of the samples is investigated. The coating grown using Ar:O-2 ratio of 50:50, exhibits the best electrochemical activity and the fastest colouration-bleaching response. At the same time it offers a high specific capacitance that does not degrade upon at least 1000 successive charging-discharging cycles as studied by voltammetry in a solution of 1 M LiClO4. The importance of morphology towards the enhancement of the electrochromic behaviour of the coatings is discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.