Enhancement of Electrochromic Polymer Switching in Plasmonic Nanostructured Environment

We explore color switching properties of thin polyaniline (PANI) films deposited on plasmonic nanomesh structures in comparison with the films deposited on flat gold. The nanostructured systems show a much steeper color switching with increasing voltage than the films prepared on flat substrates. A strong difference between nanostructured and flat systems is also observed at small voltages, where nanostructured samples often demonstrate an additional feature in cyclic voltammetry curves and nonmonotonous changes in optical properties. Possible origins of the observed effects are discussed in terms of acceleration of charge transport in nanostructured plasmonic environment and interface-related effects. The results can provide opportunities for enhancing and controlling the electrochromic polymer performance in smart windows or display applications.