Application of Nanostructures in Electrochromic Materials and Devices: Recent Progress

Abstract

The recent progress in application of nanostructures in electrochromic materials and devices is reviewed. ZnO nanowire array modified by viologen and WO3, crystalline WO3 nanoparticles and nanorods, mesoporous WO3 and TiO2, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanotubes, Prussian blue nanoinks and nanostructures in switchable mirrors are reviewed. The electrochromic properties were significantly enhanced by applying nanostructures, resulting in faster switching responses, higher stability and higher optical contrast. A perspective on the development trends in electrochromic materials and devices is also proposed.

Sol–gel fabrication of WO3/RGO nanocomposite film with enhanced electrochromic performance

“…1 Since it was discovered by Deb in 1969, 2 considerable progress has been achieved in the study of electrochromic materials and its applications, such as energy-saving smart window, 3 intelligent optical displays, 4 antiglare rearview mirrors, 5 and active camouflages. 7,8 As an important kind of inorganic electrochromic materials, tungsten oxide (WO 3 ) has been extensively studied, due to its relatively fast response time and high coloration efficiency as compared with other electrochromic materials. 7,8 As an important kind of inorganic electrochromic materials, tungsten oxide (WO 3 ) has been extensively studied, due to its relatively fast response time and high coloration efficiency as compared with other electrochromic materials.…”

High optical and switching performance electrochromic devices based on a zinc oxide nanowire with poly(methyl methacrylate) gel electrolytes

“…In comparison, vertical nanowire (NW) arrays possess huge surface areas, which when deposited upon a planar electrode, provides increased stability of the interface between the electrolyte and transparent ITO electrode, resulting in faster response times due to improved redox kinetics. 18 Furthermore, NW building blocks of this kind offer a tremendously efficient route for electron movement and result in excellent ion transportation in color changing ECD systems. 19 A strong NW candidate for ECD devices is ZnO.…”

Effect of precursors on the microstructural, optical, electrical and electrochromic properties of WO3 nanocrystalline thin films

“…For electrochromic smart window application, the nanocrystalline WO 3 films are the most suitable candidate as it is reported to exhibit higher efficiency than the corresponding amorphous films [28]. Also, the amorphous WO 3 does not show stable electrochromism in acidic solution (H 2 SO 4 as an electrolyte) and degrades more relative to crystalline WO 3 [5,[29][30][31]. Therefore for long term durability, crystalline WO 3 is preferred.…”