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Electrochromic windows with fast response and wide dynamic range for visible-light modulation without traditional electrodes

Author

Listed:
  • Zhuofei Jia

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Yiming Sui

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Long Qian

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Xi Ren

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Yunxiang Zhao

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Rui Yao

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Lumeng Wang

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Dongliang Chao

    (Fudan University)

  • Cheng Yang

    (Tsinghua University)

Abstract

Electrochromic (EC) devices represent an emerging energy-saving technology, exhibiting the capability to dynamically modulate light and heat transmittance. Despite their promising potential, the commercialization of EC devices faces substantial impediments such as high cost, intricate fabrication process, and low optical contrast inherent in conventional EC materials relying on the ion insertion/extraction mechanism. In this study, we introduce an innovative “electrode-free” electrochromic (EC) device, termed the EECD, which lacks an EC-layer on the electrodes during device assembling and in the bleached state. This device features a simplified fabrication process and delivers superior optical modulation. It achieves a high optical contrast ranging from 68-85% across the visible spectrum and boasts a rapid response time, reaching 90% coloring in just 17 seconds. In addition, EECD exhibits stable cycling for over 10,000 cycles without noticeable degradation and maintains functionality across a broad temperature range (0 °C to 50 °C). Furthermore, the fabricated large-area devices (40 cm × 40 cm) demonstrate excellent tinting uniformity, suggesting excellent scalability of this approach. Our study establishes a paradigmatic breakthrough for EC smart windows.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhuofei Jia & Yiming Sui & Long Qian & Xi Ren & Yunxiang Zhao & Rui Yao & Lumeng Wang & Dongliang Chao & Cheng Yang, 2024. "Electrochromic windows with fast response and wide dynamic range for visible-light modulation without traditional electrodes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-50542-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50542-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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