Waterproof, high-contrast and fast response gasochromic thin film composed of Prussian blue, polyvinyl alcohol, 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and catalytic nanoparticles.

Here we synthesize a waterproof cross-linked gasochromic thin film obtained by incorporating Prussian blue nanoparticles, polyvinyl alcohol, crosslink agent: 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and catalytic platinum nanoparticles, applied by a single coating and heat process onto a substrate. The cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol-Prussian blue (PVA-PB) films reveal an excellent hydrophilic character. The contrast ratio at 700 nm reaches 87.2. The cycle stability exceeds 200 cycles. The switching time from deep blue to transparency took 14.3 s for bleaching and 600 s for darkening. Surface electron microscopy, electrochemical analysis and Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy were used to investigate a series of waterproof Prussian blue films. The results showed the redox mechanism between polymer matrix, chrome and catalytic nanoparticles. [Display omitted] • Waterproof gasochromic thin film with Prussian blue nanoparticles. • Applied in a single coating and heat process onto a substrate. • Excellent hydrophilic properties with high contrast ratio and cycle stability. • Investigated redox mechanism between polymer matrix, chrome, and catalytic nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]