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Solution-processed spin coated multilayer structured nickel oxide thin films for anodic electrochromism

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Abstract

Solution-processed, NiO thin films have been synthesized via spin coating technique. Nickel nitrate hexahydrate and 2-Aminoethanol have been used as nickel precursor and oxidizing agent, respectively for depositing layers of NiO solution on the FTO substrate. Investigating the effect of NiO layers on morphological, structural, electrochromic properties has been observed. An X-Ray diffraction study has confirmed the deposition of cubic phase nanostructured NiO with an observed average crystallite size varying from 15 to 25 nm. FESEM images of NiO thin films show the formation of nanorods and nano pebbles structures. Synthesized NiO thin films exhibit anodic electrochromism in 1 M KOH electrolyte solution, i.e., transition from bleached to coloration state due to intercalation of OH− ions and electrons with a switching time of around 1.2 s. Transportation of OH− ions and electrons at the interface of NiO thin film has been well explained using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in potential window of −1.0 V to + 1.0 V. 20 layers of NiO thin film shows better electrochromic reversibility and stability. Also, it gives a Power conversion efficiency of 0.41% when used as hole transporting layer (HTL) in Dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application with maximum value of Jsc as 5.81 mA/cm2. Thus, synthesized NiO thin film has been a potential candidate for DSSC and electrochromic based applications.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW), New Delhi, India, and Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT), New Delhi, India for their immense support and infrastructure facilities in research work.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

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  1. Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi, 110006, India

    Ritu Goel & Chhaya Ravikant

  2. Research Lab for Energy Systems, Department of Physics, Netaji Subash University of Technology, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India

    Ranjana Jha

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All authors contributed to the study's conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by RG,  RJ, CR. The first draft of the manuscript was written by RG and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Goel, R., Jha, R. & Ravikant, C. Solution-processed spin coated multilayer structured nickel oxide thin films for anodic electrochromism. J Appl Electrochem 53, 713–735 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-022-01807-6

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