Solution-processable core/shell structured nanocellulose/poly(o-Methoxyaniline) nanocomposites for electrochromic applications

In this research, core/shell structured nanocellulose (NC)/poly(o-Methoxyaniline) (POANI) nanocomposites for electrochromic applications were synthesized by controllable in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The NC/POANI nanocomposites with different contents of NC can be obtained simply by controlling the relative proportions of the monomers and NC in the polymerization system with hydrochloric acid as the dopant and ammonium persulfate as the oxidant. Films based on the NC/POANI nanocomposites were successfully fabricated by spray-coating technique. The nanocomposite films showed the combination of good film-forming properties and excellent electrochromic behavior. The film based on NC/POANI nanocomposites containing 40% NC exhibited higher optical contrast (81% at 665 nm) and better cycling stability (sustaining 84% of its initial optical contrast after 500 times cyclic test) compared with pure POANI film. Such NC/POANI nanocomposites with excellent electrochromic performance demonstrate great promise towards achieving the ideal electrochromic applications.