Enhanced electrochromic coloration of poly(3-hexylthiophene) films by electrodeposited Au nanoparticles.

Au nanoparticles and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) composite films were prepared by electrodeposition of Au nanoparticles using pulse-current electrodeposition followed by the spin coating of P3HT and their enhanced electrochromic coloration was investigated. A relatively uniformed Au nanoparticle was obtained by the controlled electrodeposition on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate and plasmon absorption band of Au nanoparticles were observed. Optical and electrochemical properties of Au/P3HT composite films were compared with the pure P3HT films. The enhanced electrochromic absorption of the composite films was observed due to the surface plasmon resonance of the Au nanoparticles.