Characterization of Au-metal nanoparticle-hybridized poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) films for electrochromic devices

In order to enhance the electrochromic properties of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), Au/PEDOT nano-hybrid thin films were prepared from a Au nanoparticle (Au NP), 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), iron p-toluenesulfonate and imidazole mixture. The incorporation of Au NPs slightly affected the surface roughness of PEDOT films but had an important impact on the conjugation length and packing density of PEDOT due to the physical volume effect. An enhancement in the electrochromic properties of PEDOT was obtained, in particular, a 50% reduction in the switching speed of PEDOT with a blue shift of the maximum absorption peak in the ultra violet-visible spectroscopic analysis.