ZnO–PEDOT core–shell nanowires: An ultrafast, high contrast and transparent electrochromic display

•A new record in switching times i.e. 2.2 ms for PEDOT nanotubes at 640 nm wavelength.•Very high average contrast of 54% in visible transmittance.•High stability and EC efficiency of 234 cm2/C.•Tuning PEDOT nanotube structure in electrochemical polymerization.•Utilizing simple synthesizing technique for preparation of nanostructured electrode.

We report fabrication of ultrafast and high contrast transparent electrochromic device desired for display application using nanostructured electrode. To this end, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanotubes were synthesized by simple electrochemical polymerization method on hydrothermally grown ZnO nanowires array as electrode. The PEDOT nanotubes of 20 nm average wall thickness characterized by SEM, TEM and EDS. The manufactured cell was subjected to electrochemical test and spectrophotometery that showed high contrast of 54% during ultrafast switching time of <2.2 ms. In addition, high coloration efficiency of 234 cm2/C, ultrahigh diffusion coefficient of 2.01×10−4 cm2/s and electrochemical stability were obtained. These make PEDOT nanotubes as an excellent candidate for low power, long term stable and transparent display.

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