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Electrochromism of niobium oxide thin films prepared by the sol-gel process

Journal Article · · Journal of the Electrochemical Society; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.2055139· OSTI ID:6841532
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Kyoto Univ. (Japan). Division of Energy and Hydrocarbon Chemistry

Thin layers of niobium oxide (NbO[sub x]) were accumulated by the sol-gel process, with the sol of NbO[sub x] in ethanol prepared by partial hydrolysis of commercial niobium (V) ethoxide, on glass plates coated with transparent conducting tin oxide. Characterization by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, and thermogravimetry revealed that the as-prepared film, consisting of fully hydrated amorphous niobium(V) oxide, undergoes dehydration into the partially hydrated form and, finally, crystalline niobium(V) oxide (Nb[sub 2]O[sub 5]) by calcination at the temperature up to 873 K. The films exhibited electrochromic (EC) properties; the reversible color change was observed between colorless and brown-black by alternating anodic and cathodic polarizations, respectively. Among the films used in this study the crystalline Nb[sub 2]O[sub 5] film showed the best EC properties and its spectral change, durability for repeated coloration-decoloration cycles, and retentivity of colored states, i.e., memory characteristics under open-circuit conditions were investigated in detail.

OSTI ID:
6841532
Journal Information:
Journal of the Electrochemical Society; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society; (United States) Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 141:9; ISSN JESOAN; ISSN 0013-4651
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English