Electrophoretic deposition of Au@PEDOT nanoparticles towards the construction of high-performance electrochromic electrodes

•Core–shell Au@PEDOT nanoparticles were synthesized by a one pot method.•STEM combined with a chemical analysis at the nanometer level show core–shell structures of 2–8 nm.•Electrophoretic deposition was used to immobilized Au@PEDOT nanoparticles onto ITO electrodes.•High chromatic contrast and fast switch times in the order of 60 ms.•The fast switching related to the diminution of the solid state diffusion path.

High performance electrochromic electrodes prepared by the electrophoretic deposition of Au@PEDOT (gold@poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) nanoparticles were characterized. A detailed study was performed using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) combined with a chemical analysis at the nanometer level showing core–shell structures with sizes ranging from 2 to 8 nm. X-ray diffraction and Raman experiments were also performed. The modified electrodes present homogeneous surfaces with increased roughness, leading to excellent electrochromic properties like a high chromatic contrast with an electrochromic efficiency of ca. 300 C−1 cm2 with a response time of approximately 60–70 ms for 90% of coloration. The fast switching was related to the location of the solid state electrochromic reaction, the very thin PEDOT layer surrounding the Au core of the nanoparticles.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide