Effects of Sputter Parameters on Electrochromic Properties of Tungsten Oxide Thin Films Grown by RF Sputtering

The electrochromic properties of tungsten oxide films grown by RF sputtering were investigated. Among the sputter parameters, first the $Ar:O_2$ ratios were controlled with division into only an $O_2$ environment, 1:1 and 4:1. The structure of each film prepared by these conditions was studied by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The sputter-deposited tungsten oxide films had an amorphous structure regardless of the $Ar:O_2$ ratios. The chemical compositions, however, were different from each other. The stoichiometric structure and low-density film was obtained at higher $O_2$ contents. Electrochemical tests were performed by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry at 0.05 M $H_2SO_4$ solutions. The current density and charge ratio was estimated during the continuous potential and pulse potential cycling at -0.5 V and 1.8 V, respectively. The film grown in a higher oxygen environment had a higher current density and a reversible charge reaction during intercalation and deintercalation. The in-situ transmittance tests were performed by He-Ne laser (633 nm). At higher oxygen contents, a big transmittance difference was observed but the response speed was too slow. This was likely caused by higher film resistivity. Furthermore, the effect of sputtering pressure was also investigated. The structure and surface morphology of each film was observed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. A rough surface was observed at higher sputtering pressure, and this affected the higher transmittance difference and coloration efficiency.