Layer-by-Layer-Assembled Polyaniline/MXene Thin Film and Device for Improved Electrochromic and Energy Storage Capabilities

Polyaniline (PANI) is an attractive electrochromic and storage material due to its reversible and sustainable electrochemical redox processes. However, the insufficient surface area and excessive charge intercalation after long-term cycling results in limited charge capacitance and unsatisfactory cycling stability. In this work, we demonstrate an innovative method to increase PANI's electrochromic and energy storage performance by incorporating MXene, to enhance electrochemical activity and reveal more active areas of ion/electron intercalation/deintercalation and charge transfer. The hydrogen bonds formed between N-H, C-H, and C-N of PANI and -OH and -O surface functional terminations of MXene further enhance the interface interaction. With substantial optical transmittance modulation and charge capacitance, excellent coloration efficiency, and outstanding durability, the PANI/MXene thin film demonstrates exceptional color-switching and energy storage characteristics. Furthermore, the sandwich device with a PANI/MXene thin film as the positive electrode and zinc foil as the negative electrode demonstrates exceptional electrochromic and Zn²⁺ storage capability. This work raises possibilities for next-generation intelligent energy conversion and storage technologies and offers fresh perspectives on the design of ionic devices.