A new photoelectrochromic device (PECD) is presented in this work proposing the combination of a WO3-based electrochromic device (ECD) and a polymer-based dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). In the newly designed architecture, a photocurable polymeric membrane is employed as quasi-solid electrolyte for both the ECD and the DSSC. In addition, a photocurable fluoropolymeric system is incorporated as solution-processable external protective thin coating film with easy-cleaning and UV-shielding functionalities. Such new polymer-based device assembly is characterized by excellent device operation with improved photocoloration efficiency and switching ability compared with analogous PECDs based on standard liquid electrolyte systems. In addition, long-term (>2100 h) stability tests under continuous exposure to real outdoor conditions reveal the remarkable performance stability of this new quasi-solid PECD system, attributed to the protective action of the photocurable fluorinated coating that effectively prevents photochemical and physical degradation of the PECD components during operation. This first example of quasi-solid PECD systems paves the way for a new generation of thermally, electrochemically, and photochemically stable polymer-based PECDs, and provides for the first time a clear demonstration of their true potential as readily upscalable smart window components for energy-saving buildings. Light-designed polymers are proposed as quasi-solid electrolytes and ultraviolet-cutting/easy-cleaning coatings for photoelectrochromic devices (PECDs). Excellent coloration/bleaching performance as well as long-term stability under real outdoor operating conditions is demonstrated. Thermally, electrochemically, and photochemically stable polymer-based PECDs demonstrate for the first time their true potential as readily upscalable smart windows for modern energy-saving buildings
ZnO nanowire arrays represent an important multifunctional platform in nanotechnology with a diverse set of emerging applications. Many parameters and conditions are involved in the growth process affecting quality and reproducibility and hence the functionality of the nanowire arrays. Therefore, the fabrication of high-quality arrays is challenging and demands fastidious optimization. A multiparameter optimization of the growth process is presented here using the chemical bath deposition method of ZnO nanowires on seeded substrates. Parameters such as the seed layer morphology, ammonia and the polyelectrolyte capping agent concentrations, the molecular weight of the polyelectrolyte capping agent, the ammonia evaporation, the substrate placement into the reactor vessel, and the growth duration were adjusted to provide optimum nanowire arrays. Criteria used for selecting the optimum growth conditions include high aspect ratio, high nanowire length growth rate, good alignment, and minimum defect density in the crystal lattice. A critical comparison of the current achievements with the relevant current literature is presented. ZnO nanowire arrays fulfilling all of these criteria hold promise for the fabrication of devices with wide functionalities including solar cells, water splitting, photocatalysis for water purification, nanophotonics, and so on.
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