A low-cost electrochromic (EC) window based on a redox-flow system that does not require expensive transparent conductive oxide (TCO) substrates is introduced and demonstrated for the first time. An aqueous I3–/I– redox electrolyte is used in place of a TCO to oxidize/reduce a molecular layer of an EC triphenylamine derivative that is anchored to a mesoporous TiO2 scaffold on the inner faces of a double-paned window. The redox electrolyte is electrochemically oxidized/reduced in an external two-compartment cell and circulated through the window cavity using an inexpensive peristaltic pump, resulting in coloration or decoloration of the window due to reaction of the redox solution with the triphenylamine derivative. The absorption characteristics, coloration/decoloration times, and cycling stability of the prototype EC window are evaluated, and prospects for further development are discussed.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/am508086u | DOI Listing |
Nat Commun
January 2025
School of Nano-Technology and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
Electrochromic materials were discovered in the 1960s when scientists observed reversible changes between the light and dark states in WO thin films under different voltages. Since then, researchers have identified various electrochromic material systems, including transition metal oxides, polymer materials, and small molecules. However, the electrochromic phenomenon has rarely been observed in non-metallic elemental substances.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSmall
January 2025
State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated Devices, National Engineering Research Center of Electromagnetic Radiation Control Materials, School of Integrated Circuit Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, P. R. China.
Dual-band tungsten oxide (WO) electrochromic films are extensively investigated, yet challenges persist regarding complex fabrication processes and limited cyclic stability. In this paper, a novel approach to prepare graphdiyne quantum dots (GDQDs) doped WO films with a hexagonal crystal structure, is presented. Structural characterization reveals that the GDQDs/WO possesses a coral-like, loose structure with high crystallinity due to the synergistic modulation of morphology and crystallinity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Centre for Advanced Devices and Systems, Faculty of Engineering, Multimedia University, Persiaran Multimedia, 63100, Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
In recent decades, poorly insulated windows have increased the energy consumption of heating and cooling systems, thus contributing to excessive carbon dioxide emissions and other related pollution issues. From this perspective, the electrochromic (EC) windows could be a tangible solution as the indoor conditions are highly controllable by these smart devices even at a low applied voltage. Literally, vanadium pentoxide (VO) is a renowned candidate for the EC application due to its multicolor appearance and substantial lithium insertion capacity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMicromachines (Basel)
December 2024
College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China.
This study introduces the development of a W-M electrochromic film, characterized by a "coral"-like TiO@WO heterostructure, synthesized via a hydrothermal process leveraging the inherent instability of MXene. The film showcases exceptional electrochromic performance, with a coloring response time of 2.8 s, a bleaching response time of 4.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFACS Appl Mater Interfaces
January 2025
Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol 453552, India.
Electronic devices cover a large subset of daily life gadgets which use power to run, hence increasing the load of the energy needs and indirectly impacting greenhouse gas emissions. Smart electrochromic windows provide a solution to this through remarkable energy saving by adjusting optical behavior depending on the environmental conditions. Since the electrochromic windows also need power to run, a self-powered electrochromic panel will be a better solution.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!