Dynamic Windows with Neutral Color, High Contrast, and Excellent Durability Using Reversible Metal Electrodeposition

Abstract

Dynamic windows, which switch between transparent and opaque states upon application of a voltage, have applications in buildings, automobiles, and switchable sunglasses. Here, we describe dynamic windows based on the reversible electrodeposition of Cu and a second metal on transparent indium tin oxide electrodes modified by Pt nanoparticles. Three-electrode cyclic voltammetry experiments reveal that the system possesses high Coulombic efficiency (99.9%), indicating that the metal electrodeposition and stripping processes are reversible. Two-electrode 25-cm 2 windows without bus bars uniformly switch between a transparent state ($80% transmission) and a colorneutral opaque state (<5% transmission) in less than 3 min. These devices switch at least 5,500 times without degradation of optical contrast, switching speed, or uniformity. Taken together, these results indicate that dynamic windows based on reversible metal electrodeposition are a promising alternative to those using traditional electrochromic materials.

Electrochromic materials and devices for energy efficiency and human comfort in buildings: A critical review

“…Oxide-based EC materials are far from the only alternatives for "smart" glazings [31], but it appears that they are currently the main ones used in buildings. Other options include devices based on reversible electroplating [50], suspended particles [51], polymer-dispersed liquid crystals [52], metal hydrides [53], plasmonic effects in wide-bandgap electrically conducting nanoparticles [54][55][56], and solution-based systems [57]. It should also be noted that oxidebased materials are far from the only ones with EC properties and, in particular, there are a plethora of organic EC materials [58][59][60][61].…”

77‐3: High‐Performance Smart Window with Haze Enhancement via Micro‐Domains Manipulation on Alignment Surface

“…Therefore, the total response time is less than 3.5 ms. Such response time is much faster than previously reported SPD and heat-evaporated smart glass [3,7,10]. The fast rising response is not only benefited from the relatively small cell gap (i.e.…”

“…Interest in commercializing dynamic windows that enable electronic control of visible light and solar energy is burgeoning [1][2][3]. Many companies have recently invested a significant amount of resources and effort on dynamic windows based on its potential to increase architectural beauty, occupant comfort and energy efficiency [4,5].…”

A Long‐Life Battery‐Type Electrochromic Window with Remarkable Energy Storage Ability

“…Electrochromic (EC) windows refer to devices showing reversibly changeable optical properties under external voltage stimuli . When applied onto buildings/transportation tools as smart windows, EC devices can effectively modulate the amount of indoor‐entering sunlight according to the ambient temperature and/or solar irradiation strength .…”