Process and characterization of an electrochromic film made of silica-polyaniline composite nanoparticle

Composite nanoparticles of silica-polyaniline were synthesized and tested as an electrochromic material. For the optical application, the size of the nanoparticle was intended to be less than 100 nm in diameter. The synthesis was done by using a microemulsion synthesis method where the silica-polyaniline composite nanoparticle was obtained by dispersing two acidic aqueous phases containing aniline and polymerization agent, respectively. Microstructure analysis such as TEM and BET surface area measurement showed the possibility that polyaniline is incorporated in porous silica structure. The composite structure of the particle was proved to enhance chemical stability of the prepared electrochromic film.