Switchable Mirrors Based on Nickel-Magnesium Films

Date Published
05/2001
Publication Type
Journal Article
Authors
DOI
10.1063/1.1371959
LBL Report Number
LBNL-47180
Abstract

An electrochromic mirror electrode based on reversible uptake of hydrogen in nickel magnesium alloy films is reported. Thin, magnesium-rich Ni-Mg films prepared on glass substrates by cosputtering from Ni and Mg targets are mirror-like in appearance and have low visible transmittance. Upon exposure to hydrogen gas or on cathodic polarization in alkaline electrolyte, the films take up hydrogen and become transparent. When hydrogen is removed, the mirror properties are recovered. The transition is believed to result from reversible formation of Mg2NiH4 and MgH2. A thin overlayer of palladium was found to enhance the kinetics of hydrogen insertion and extraction, and to protect the metal surface against oxidation.

Journal
Applied Physics Letters
Volume
78
Year of Publication
2001
Issue
20
Number
20
Pagination
3047-3049
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