Electrodeposited Tungsten Trioxide (WO₃) Thin Films for Electrochromic Applications

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ABSTRACT

The need of smart and innovative technology with energy saving approach is the main and serious concern while dealing with fastest growing urbanization and civilization. The smart technologies like electrochromic supercapacitors are beneficial in multifunctional way by providing energy storage systems with visual and reversible colour changes in many applications such as smart windows, electrochromic goggles, automotive mirrors, sunroofs, displays and so on. Herein, nanoporous WO₃ thin film is prepared by using cathodic electrodeposition technique and used to study electrochromic as well as electrochemical properties. The bi-functionality of the electrode was confirmed by electrochemical tests including CV, GCD, EIS and chrono methods. The film shows greater coloration efficiency up to 52.61 cm²/C with an aerial capacitance 2.8 mF /cm². Also, film shows faster switching kinetics as faster coloration and bleaching times like 1.88 and 2.6 s respectively. Hence, electrodeposited WO₃ can be a good candidate for bi-functional electrochromic supercapacitors.

Significance of the study:

This study demonstrates the effective synthesis of nanoporous WO₃ thin films via electrodeposition, highlighting their dual functionality in electrochromic and electrochemical applications, which is crucial for advancing smart, energy-efficient technologies.

Summary of the study:

Nanoporous WO₃ thin films were electrodeposited and exhibited excellent electrochromic and electrochemical properties, including high coloration efficiency, rapid switching kinetics, and significant areal capacitance, making them promising for multifunctional applications.