Effect of Co-doping on the electrochromic performance of hexagonal phase WO3 nanorods.

Abstract

In this study, cobalt-doped hexagonal phase WO3 nanorods were prepared by a template-free hydrothermal method. The effects of varying the cobalt doping concentration on the microscopic morphology and electrochromic properties of hexagonal phase WO3 films were investigated. Films synthesized with the optimal cobalt element doping concentration demonstrate a notable improvement in their electrochromic properties compared to the pure hexagonal phase WO3 films. The film doped with 1.5% Co exhibited excellent cycling stability, retaining 98.55% of its original value after 500 cycles. The introduction of cobalt results in the formation of a nanorod structure with a high specific surface area within the film. This structure provides additional reaction sites for the electrochromic reaction process, thereby enhancing the optical modulation and coloration efficiency of WO3. The resulting films with excellent electrochromic properties provide a convenient and effective means for ion-doped modification of WO3-based electrochromic films.