Fabrication of TiO2/Au nanorod arrays employing a positive sacrificial ZnO template and their electrochromic property

A novel method to fabricate large scale TiO2/Au nanorod array using a positive sacrificial ZnO template has been developed. This method includes a two-step process, (1) preparation of ZnO/Au nanorod array by a simple low-temperature hydrothermal process, and (2) preparation of TiO2/Au nanorod array by electrochemically induced sol–gel process. The TiO2/Au nanorod array has showed a reversible electrochromism in lithium-ion-containing organic electrolyte. The coloration and bleaching throughout a visible range can be switched on and off within a few seconds.