Influence of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate on the Microstructure and Electrochromic Performance of an Electrodeposited Nickel Oxide Film

Nickel oxide (NiO) films were deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates using a potentiostatic electrodeposition method from Ni(NO3)2 aqueous solution containing the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The microstructure, morphology, and electrochromic performance of the NiO films were investigated. Our results showed that the addition of SDS inhibited the growth of NiO crystals, tailored the morphology of the films, and favoured their electrochromic performance. The NiO films deposited in the presence of 6 mM SDS exhibited excellent electrochromic performance in OH- containing electrolytes (0.1 M KOH), with a high optical contrast of over 77 % at 550 nm, short switching time (5.62 s for bleaching and 7.34 s for coloration), and enhanced cycling durability.