Assessing the effect of LiClO4 electrolyte on the electrochemical properties of indium tin oxide thin films

Abstract

In this research, we used a combination of experimental techniques to shed some light on the effect of lithium perchlorate (LiClO(4)) on the electrochemical and physical properties of indium tin oxide (ITO) films. For this, we studied the effect of ITO films immersed in a LiClO(4)/PC+EC solution.  Chronoamperometry, along with transmissivity measurements, shows that ITO undergoes optical changes as a function of voltage changes. However, as the number of cycles increases, the transmissivity decreases significantly due to ITO degradation. Cyclic voltammetry reveals the presence of reduction and oxidation processes, suggesting ITO reduction and possible ion trapping. X-ray  diffraction does not show compelling signs of lithium insertion or the presence of other phases. Finally, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to evaluate the oxidation states and chemical bonding. The analysis reveals the presence of indium oxide, suggesting that the surface is mainly ITO, in agreement with XRD studies.