CATHODIC ELECTRODEPOSITION OF NANOCRYSTALLINE TITANIUM-DIOXIDE THIN-FILMS

A new technique for depositing nanocrystalline titanium dioxide thin f ilms on electronically conducting glass was developed. This technique is a two-stage process: (i) cathodic electrodeposition of titanium oxy hydroxide gel film from aqueous solution containing a Ti precursor and (ii) subsequent heat-treatment of this gel film results in the format ion of titanium dioxide film. The deposition potential may have a cons iderable effect on the formation of nanocrystalline film. The nanocrys talline titanium dioxide film shows reversible electrochromism in lith ium-ion-containing organic electrolyte. The coloration and bleaching t hroughout the visible and near-IR range can be switched on and off wit hin a few seconds.