Enhanced electrochromism of WO3 thin film by gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles synthesized by the chemical reduction of hydrogen tetrac hloroaurate were used to modify the surface of vacuum evaporated WO3 thin f ilms through a spin coating technique. It was found that the gold nanoparti cles could improve the electrochromic performance of the WO3 film greatly. The experimental results indicated that the conductivity of the thin film w as increased after the surface modification. In addition, it was found that the composite thin film could show a better electrochromic performance in aqueous acid system than in organic solution. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.