Publisher's Synopsis
The present work planned to synthesize NiO/PPy and NiO/PANI thin films by electrodeposition and chemical bath deposition respectively. In conclusion, we could successfully demonstrate: (i) Cost-effective one step deposition of NiO thin films at room temperature from low-cost precursors. (ii) Electrochemically stable NiO sample with moderate colouration efficiency. (iii) NiO-PPY composites with excellent stability and fast switching response. (iv) NiO-PANI composites with higher colouration efficiency, faster response time, stable and marvelous range of colours. (v) It is concluded that the strong co-ordinate bonding between NiO and organic polymer (PPY and PANI) resulted into the marked improvement in their EC performance. (vi) This strategy would also pave the novel way to synthesize variety of combination of the oxide-polymer composites (via combination of cost-effective ED and CBD methods) on large areas, suitable for building facades as smart windows. This route would offer a smarter and enabling way for energy efficient buildings, thereby helping conservation of energy, the urgently needed technology to override energy crisis in India.
