Fabrication of MoS2/WO3 nanocomposite films for enhanced electro-chromic performance

Abstract

A novel MoS₂/WO₃ nanocomposite (MSW) based electrochromic device (ECD) has been fabricated by a facile cost effective sol–gel spin-coating approach. MoS₂ is hybridized with WO₃ nanoparticles via an in situ hydrothermal method. The fabrication of the ECD film using a low temperature solution-process is in high demand for flexible applications. The fabricated MSW films exhibited enhanced transmittance variation (ΔT ∼ 75–60%), good colouration efficiency (51.2–39.4 cm² C⁻¹) and fast switching times compared to pure WO₃ films at 700 nm with an applied potential of 0 V to −1.5 V. It is expected that the good electrical conductivity, high specific surface area and unique graphene-like sheet structure of the MoS₂ layer will allow facile and effective insertion of Li⁺ ions at the interface between the film and the electrolyte, hence promoting a higher electron transfer rate, which is crucial for increasing the electrochromic properties of WO₃ films. It is expected that the MSW composite film could be a promising material for practical EC applications. In addition, the application of MoS₂ may create a new pathway for inorganic hybrid materials as possibly suitable graphene alternatives in EC devices and potential candidates for a flexible transparent conductive electrode (TCE) as well.