A Universal Tandem Device of DC‐Driven Electrochromism and AC‐Driven Electroluminescence for Multi‐Functional Smart Windows

Abstract

With the development of modern technology, the functions of smart windows are expected to be more abundant apart from reducing energy consumption. A viable and popular solution is to develop a versatile product. Here a multi‐functional tandem device enabled by ionic gels to form a smart glass that can be applied in manifold scenarios, is reported. The ionic gels successfully fulfill the multiple tasks of simultaneously being electrolytes, ion storage medium, as well as transparent electrodes, and help heighten the overall transparency of the devices. The novel tandem configuration simply consists of five stacking functional layers and is universal for DC‐driven electrochromic and AC‐driven electroluminescent sub‐devices. The newly‐developed devices demonstrate magnificent characteristics of high and tunable transparency (0–77%), selective infrared shielding ability, diversified displaying and decoration, excellent stability (3000 cycles), and even flexibility. Multifarious application scenarios of the structure in diversified device forms are proposed and presented. The proposed device architecture provides a facile methodology to fabricate functional devices and will provoke infinite novel ideas for developing the next‐generation smart windows.

Recent Advance in Electrochromic Materials and Devices for Display Applications

“…When exposed to different levels of light, the EC devices will change different colors to block sunlight. [82,[111][112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120] EC energy storage device can display the energy storage status in real-time through color changes. With its adjustability, an energy storage display can achieve customized display based on various environmental factors, thereby enhancing the user experience.…”

“…The application of EC technology in smart glasses can also attenuate direct sunlight. When exposed to different levels of light, the EC devices will change different colors to block sunlight [82,111–120] …”

Flexible smart surface coating for GIS/GIL epoxy insulators

“…In recent years, there has been rapid development in stimulus‐response materials inspired by natural organisms including electroluminescence, electrochromism, thermochromic and reactive fluorescent probes. These materials hold potential application prospects in visual defect detection [16].…”