High-contrast electrochromic switching using transparent lift-off layers of self-organized TiO2 nanotubes

A study was conducted to demonstrate the high-contrast electrochromic switching using transparent lift-off layers of self-organized TiO2 nanotubes. The study showed that TiO2 nanotubes has high photo-conversion efficiency, enhanced electrochromicity, high biocompatibility, and catalytic activity. The study showed that TiO2 NT layers with both sides open can serve as a nanoscale flow-through photoreactor. The study used thin NT layers of 1μm thickness prepared by anodization in F-containing ethylene glycol electrolyte at 120 V. The study found that one-dimensional nanoarchitecture of self-organized TiO2 NT layers can be transferred from a native Ti substrate to a conductive transparent glass. The study also found that an electrochromic contrast can be obtained under a moderate applied voltage. The study confirmed that NP layers contain grain boundaries that act as a resistive element.