Enhanced electrochromic absorption in Ag nanoparticle embedded conjugated polymer composite films

Ag/MEH-PPV {poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene]} composite films were prepared by the pulse current electrodeposition of Ag nanoparticles followed by spin coating of MEH-PPV and their enhanced electrochromic coloration was investigated. A relatively uniform Ag nanoparticle array was obtained by the electrodeposition and distinct plasmon absorption bands of Ag nanoparticles were observed. The absorption maximum of Ag/MEH-PPV was much higher than that of MEH-PPV, indicating that the Ag nanoparticles induced an enhanced absorption. In addition, the electrochromic absorption was 1.6 times higher at 500 nm wavelength, with a clearly different coloration compared to MEH-PPV.