An Ultrafast, Energy‐Efficient Electrochromic and Thermochromic Device for Smart Windows

Abstract

Smart windows nowadays undertake the esteemed obligation of reducing energy consumption as well as upgrading living experience. This project aims to devise a smart window that responds to both electricity and heat, with the intention of achieving energy efficiency, privacy preservation, and enhanced decorative attributes. Through the implementation of a novel electrochromic material design, coupled with the optimization of electrochromic devices (ECDs), a high‐performance ECD is obtained, demonstrating coloring/bleaching time of 0.53/0.16 s, a transmittance modulation of 78% (from 99% to 21%), and superior performance in six dimensions. Furthermore, temperature‐responsive units and an ionic liquid are incorporated into the electrolyte system to create a novel thermochromic gel electrolyte with transmittance modulation from 80% to 0%, and excellent thermal insulation (6.4 °C reduction). Ultimately, an electro‐ and thermochromic device is developed, featuring an ultrafast color‐switching speed of 0.82/0.60 s and multiple working modes. Overall, this work showcases a prospective design pathway for the development of next‐generation ultrafast‐switching, and energy‐efficient intelligent windows.

Flexible Composite Electrochromic Device with Long-Term Bistability Based on a Viologen Derivative and Prussian Blue

“…This transition enabled the FC-ECD to return from the dark-blue state to the colorless transparent state upon removal of the applied voltage. The driving voltage and bleaching time of the FC-ECD have been reduced. − This lower applied voltage made FC-ECD more stable than that of FPB-ECD. Figure b presents CVs that were obtained at various scan rates.…”

Engineering Self‐Adaptive Multi‐Response Thermochromic Hydrogel for Energy‐Saving Smart Windows and Wearable Temperature‐Sensing

“…Variable temperature UV spectroscopy can determine the curve of hydrogel transmittance with temperature to derive the corresponding LCST, but the experimental conditions are limited, so DSC testing was often chosen to indirectly calculate the LCST. [38][39][40] The DSC test results are shown in Figure 4j,k. The T c of the smart window defaults to be the same as the LCST of the hydrogel.…”

Robust and Durable Water-Resistant Adhesive for Impact-Resistant Smart Windows

“…Smart windows have attracted considerable attention as promising next-generation devices for protecting privacy and improving living comfort. − Compared to ordinary glass-based windows, smart windows have an advantage of dynamically adjustable transparency, which enables windows with multifunctional features, including energy saving, indoor temperature and brightness regulation, − and information protection . Conventional materials for smart windows can be categorized as polymeric solids, gels, and solutions .…”