Atmospheric pressure plasma jet-synthesized electrochromic organomolybdenum oxide thin films for flexible electrochromic devices

An investigation is conducted into fast synthesis of electrochromic organomolybdenum oxide (MoOxCy) thin films onto 40 Ω/□ flexible polyethylene terephthalate/indium tin oxide substrates via atmospheric pressure plasma jet. A precursor [molybdenum carbonyl, Mo(CO)6] vapor, carried by argon gas, is injected into air plasma torch to synthesize MoOxCy films for offering extraordinary electrochromic performance. Only low driving voltages from − 1 V to 1 V are needed to offer reversible Li+ ion intercalation and deintercalation in a 1 M LiClO4-propylene carbonate electrolyte. Light modulation with transmittance variation of up to 61%, optical density change of 0.54 and coloration efficiency of 37.5 cm2/C at a wavelength of 550 nm after 200 cycles of cyclic voltammetry switching measurements is achieved.

► Fast deposition of MoOxCy film by an atmospheric pressure plasma jet
► Organic–inorganic hybrid MoOxCy films synthesized
► Flexible and electrochromic MoOxCy films produced