Redox active ZnO/2,5-dihydroxy terephthalic acid hybrid thin films prepared by one-step electrodeposition

Abstract

In this work we develop a simple, one-pot route to electrodeposit crystalline and porous ZnO/2,5-dihydroxy terephthalic acid (DHTPA) hybrid thin films. High loading of DHTPA was achieved up to half of the total film volume. The surface-bound DHTPA molecule undergoes a stable reversible redox reaction owing to the ion-exchanging capability of the porous ZnO, making this process a new promising approach to obtain active materials for electrochemical energy storage.