The effect of cerium oxide on the microstructure and optical and electrical properties of nickel oxide layer for electrochromic glass applications

The nickel oxide layer doped with cerium was applied on a glass slide using the solution obtained from two precursors, nickel hexacetate and cerium ammonium hexanitrate with the general formula Ni1-eCexO and heated at different temperatures up to 550 degrees Celsius. Structural studies showed that the coated layers were composed of nickel oxide nanocrystals with a size of 40 to 120 angstroms. The thickness of the applied layer was 600 nm and it was formed with 5 layers. Electrochemical measurements including cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance showed the reversibility of the electrochromic layer in 25 cycles. The ability of lithium ions to enter the tested layer was confirmed by 0.1 M solution of lithium perchlorate in isopropyl alcohol and current measurement compared to the Ag/AgCl electrode. During the conducted studies, the molar ratio of 0.05 to 0.1% was found to be appropriate due to the minimum electrical resistance and slight change in the visible transmission spectrum. Spectroscopy of the layers showed that this coating has near infrared absorption capability of 40% without causing any color change under the glass base, and its use as an optically passive electrode is suitable.