A novel PANI@Carbon dot hybrid with enhanced electrochemical and electrochromic properties

Abstract A novel Polyaniline@carbon dot (PANI@C-dot) hybrid was synthesized through copolymerization of aniline in the presence of carbon dots (C-dots) suspension. The PANI@C-dot hybrid thin film exhibits higher optical contrast and faster switching speed compared to the pristine PANI. The enhanced electrochromic performance was presumably due to the synergistic effect between the PANI and C-dots, which improved the electron transport and ionic motion of the electrochromic layer. Thus, the PANI@C-dot hybrid opens a new avenue for developing of C-dots based electrochromic materials and uses in energy conversation and storage devices.