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Mixed metal films with switchable optical properties

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
OSTI ID:792947
Thin, Pd-capped metallic films containing magnesium and first row transition metals (Mn, Fe, Co) switch reversibly from their initial reflecting state to visually transparent states when exposed to gaseous hydrogen or following cathodic polarization in an alkaline electrolyte. Reversion to the reflecting state is achieved by exposure to air or by anodic polarization. The films were prepared by co-sputtering from one magnesium target and one manganese, iron, or cobalt target. Both the dynamic optical switching range and the speed of the transition depend on the magnesium-transition metal ratio. Infrared spectra of films in the transparent, hydrided (deuterided) states support the presence of the intermetallic hydride phases Mg3MnH7, Mg2FeH6, and Mg2CoH5.
Research Organization:
Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs. Office of Building Research and Standards (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
792947
Report Number(s):
LBNL--49043
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 80; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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