Preparation of Electrochromic Material Using Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs)

Electrochromic materials can change their optical properties reversibly for an applied potential due to electrochemical oxidation and reduction. Electrochromic polymer like polyaniline (PANI) is one of the most promising materials where its colour can be controlled electrically. However, the electrochromically deposited polyaniline exhibit substantial resistivity, which is attributed to the lack of conducting pathways at the nanoscale associated with random deposition morphology. This study describes developing electrochromic material using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the filler. Preparation of electrochromic material involved electrochemical deposition of PANI film on ITO glass slide. PANI electrode was then tested in the electrochemical setup with platinum electrode by applying 0.2 to 1.4 V. The PANI electrode was found to change colour from light green at 0.2 V to purple at 1.2 V. When PANI/CNT electrode was tested, dark colour of CNT film is observed. This implies that high intensity colour can be achieved if the amount of CNTs incorporated into the electrode is reduced and well dispersed.