Sodium Citrate: A Superior Complexing Agent for Electrochromic Thin Films

Sodium citrate, also known as citric acid sodium salt, is a versatile complexing agent widely used in the preparation of electrochromic thin films. It offers several advantages in this application: \n\n1. High stability: Sodium citrate exhibits excellent stability in various environments, including both acidic and alkaline conditions. This stability ensures the longevity and reliability of the electrochromic thin films prepared using sodium citrate as a complexing agent. \n\n2. Non-toxicity: Sodium citrate is non-toxic, making it a safe choice for applications involving human contact, such as smart windows or eyewear. Its non-toxic nature also contributes to its environmentally friendly profile. \n\n3. Cost-effectiveness: Sodium citrate is readily available at a relatively low cost, making it an economically viable option for large-scale production of electrochromic thin films. This affordability allows for wider accessibility and adoption of this technology. \n\n4. Versatile complexing capabilities: Sodium citrate has excellent complexing capabilities, enabling it to effectively bind with metal ions, such as tungsten or molybdenum. This property allows for the formation of stable and uniform electrochromic layers, ensuring consistent and efficient color-changing properties. \n\n5. Enhanced electrochemical performance: The use of sodium citrate as a complexing agent can improve the electrochemical performance of electrochromic thin films. It promotes better charge transfer and ion diffusion within the films, resulting in faster and more responsive color changes. \n\nIn summary, sodium citrate offers numerous advantages as a complexing agent in the preparation of electrochromic thin films. Its high stability, non-toxicity, cost-effectiveness, versatile complexing capabilities, and enhanced electrochemical performance make it a preferred choice for this application.