Electrochromic properties of anodically grown mixed V2O5–TiO2 nanotubes

Mixed V2O5–TiO2 nanotube arrays were fabricated by self-organizing anodization of different Ti–V alloys. The mixed oxide nanotubes show switchable V-oxidation states and strong cathodic coloration. Already a low V content of ≈ 0.2 at.% significantly increases the electrochromic switching properties. Using a sample with 3 at.% V, very high electrochromic contrast can be established and a significantly lower switching onset voltage than for pure TiO2 nanotubes is observed. At high V contents, although charge storage is increased, the improvement of contrast is diminished due to the strong background color of the sample.

► We fabricate mixed V2O5–TiO2 nanotubes by self-organizing anodization of Ti–V alloys.
► We demonstrate that the complex nanotube layers are very promising for application in electrochromic devices.
► A highly improved contrast for 3 at.% V mixed oxide nanotubes and large charge storage capacity for 18 at.% V mixed oxide nanotubes are obtained.
► The mixed oxide nanotubes show a much lower onset voltage for switching than pure TiO2 nanotubes.
► The mixed oxide nanotubes show an excellent cyclic stability.