Fabrication of Tungsten Oxide-Based Hybrid Photochromic Blends by Scalable Method

Abstract

The paper introduces a low-cost and scalable synthesis method of tungsten oxide organic/inorganic blends that was deposited on different substrates including paper, glass, metal, and fabric by electrospinning, spin coating, fiber drawing, casting, and inkjet printing. The hybrid films consist of microfibers of the organic/inorganic blend of tungsten hexachloride (WCl6) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Microsize and nanosize fibers have been synthesized that enhances durability of the photochromic films and stability with respect to influence of the ultraviolet light. The films exhibit photochromic properties with the contrast of >30% and transparency in clear state >75% with durability >5 years. Contrast and speed of light-induced coloration increases whereas the speed of bleaching decreases with increasing the intensity of the ultraviolet component of the sunlight.

Keywords: Hybrid films, microsize and nanosize fibers, tungsten oxide, photochromism.