Semitransparent Energy‐Storing Functional Photovoltaics Monolithically Integrated with Electrochromic Supercapacitors

Abstract

Energy‐storing functional photovoltaics, which can simultaneously harvest and store solar energy, are proposed as promising next‐generation multifunction energy systems. For the extension of conventional organic photovoltaics (OPVs), electrochromic supercapacitors (ECSs) are monolithically integrated with semitransparent (ST) quaternary blend‐based OPVs (ST Q‐OPVs) to achieve compact, energy‐efficient storage with great aesthetic appeal. In particular, ST Q‐OPVs with low‐power‐consumption ECSs allow full operation, even under low‐intensity irradiance, including artificial indoor light circumstances, and thereby exhibit potential for all‐day operating energy suppliers. The prepared ST energy‐storing functional photovoltaics also serve as a backup power source for external electronic equipment (e.g., light‐emitting diodes, and sensor nodes for Internet of Things) by consuming charged power. In addition to features that include unrestricted operation under any circumstances, color tunability, feasibility of designs with various shapes, rapid charging/discharging, and real‐time indication of stored energy levels, ST energy‐storing functional photovoltaics could potentially be applied in electronic devices such as advanced smart windows or portable smart electronics.

A Strategy of Stabilization via Active Energy-Exchange for Bistable Electrochromic Displays

“…The fabricated electrochromic devices (ECDs) have shown remarkable potentials in smart window, [1][2][3][4] recordable information display, 5,6 and visual energy storage. [7][8][9] Unfortunately, their practical applications are still far away. The main reasons that restrict the leap-forward development and industrialization of this field are missing clear and in-depth understanding of the intrinsic key factor of bistability, as well as universally applicable design strategies for relevant materials/devices (especially at the molecular or atomic scale).…”

Influence of Transition Metals (Cu and Co) on the Carbon-Coated Nickel Sulfide Used as Positive Electrode Material in Hybrid Supercapacitor Device

“…Band gap was measured from the UV-vis absorption spectrum to evaluate the electronic properties of the electrode materials. The optical band energy (E g ) can be measured by the Tauc's plot of the following equation, (αhυ) = K (hυ− E g ) n (7) where, "α"is the absorption coefficient, "hυ"is the photon energy, "K"is the constant relative to the materials, and "E g "is the band gap energy. The integer "n"is 1 2 for the direct band gap and 2 for indirect band gap.…”

“…The device showed~40 Ω R ct indicating faster charge transfer kinetics and good capacitive behavior of the device. The lower W-T (0.026) and W-P (0.16) values signified faster electrolyte ion diffusion of the electrodes in the device [5][6][7]31,38]. Figure 4e presents the GCD curves of the HSC device at different current densities from 2 to 15 A g −1 .…”

Polymeric Ion Conductors Based on Sono‐Polymerized Zwitterionic Polymers for Electrochromic Supercapacitors with Improved Shelf‐Life Stability

“…[13][14][15] DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100468 Similar to typical EC devices (ECDs), [16][17][18][19][20][21] a much simpler version of ECSs is a monolithic device, also referred to as an all-in-one device, which can be conveniently fabricated by inserting an EC electrolyte layer between two electrodes. [22,23] The device performance and functionality mainly rely on the properties of the electrolyte. For example, the use of mechanically elastic ionogels composed of polymeric gelators and ionic liquids (ILs) offers an opportunity to achieve deformable [24][25][26] and patterned solid-state platforms.…”