ELECTROCHEMICAL LITHIUM INSERTION IN SOL-GEL DEPOSITED LINBO3 FILMS

Inorganic LiNbO3 ion conducting films were prepared by sol-gel process involving two alkoxides, lithium ethoxide and niobium ethoxide. The f ilms were analyzed by ellipsometry, X-ray diffractometry, scanning ele ctron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy. Impedance spectroscopy in dicated that the Li+ conductivity values were in the range of 6-8 x 10 (-7) S cm(-1). The morphology and thickness of these films played an i mportant role in the insertion of lithium ions. Spectrophotometric inv estigation showed that LiNbO3 films exhibit very weak cathodic colorat ion from 350 to 900 nm spectral region. The electrochemical and optica l properties clearly indicate that sol-gel deposited LiNbO3 films can be used as lithium ion conducting layers for electrochromic device app lication.