Electrodeposited Prussian Blue in mesoporous TiO2 as electrochromic hybrid material

In the ordered mesopores of thin films of semiconductive titanium dioxide, synthesized by a sol–gel approach employing a block-co-polymer as structure-directing agent, and dip-coating, Prussian Blue is electrochemically deposited. Such hybrid films were for the first time prepared and tested for their electrochromic properties. By applying only low current densities in a voltammetric cycle large differences in the optical transmission are recorded. Due to short diffusion lengths for the charge carriers in the hybrid films the electrochromic switching is fast, reversible, highly repeatable and reaches high coloration efficiencies. Thus, this material is a promising new candidate for use in smart windows.

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► Electrochemical deposition to load ordered mesoporous TiO2 with iron complexes.
► Prussian Blue exclusively deposited in mesopores of TiO2 films.
► Reversible and highly effective electrochromic switching.
► Coloration efficiencies up to 137 cm2/C render hybrids promising for smart windows.