Tunable Interaction between Zn²⁺ and Superstructured Nb₁₈W₁₆O₉₃ Bimetallic Oxide for Multistep Tinted Electrochromic Device

Abstract

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) present promising prospects in developing energy-saving applications, such as smart windows, antiglare mirrors, and information displays. Here, for the first time, we develop a multistep strategy to improve the electrochromic performance by fully using the adsorption/desorption, insertion/extraction, and reversible electrodeposition of Zn 2+ within the ECD based on the specific crystal superstructured Nb 18 W 16 O 93 film. The synergistic electrochemical process based on the Zn 2+ enables comprehensive enhancement of the electrochromic performance, such as large and broad optical modulation up to 87.0%, 96.2%, and 92.8% at 400, 633, and 1200 nm, respectively, remarkable cycling stability of 3500 cycles, and high coloration efficiency of 72.4 cm 2 C −1 . Furthermore, the assembled device delivers outstanding performance in wide-band and large optical modulation in response to a change in voltage. We believe that our multistep regulation in one device could provide a new strategy for developing high-performance ECDs and shed new light on exploring next-generation ECDs in the future.

Advanced inorganic nanomaterials for high-performance electrochromic applications

“…Recently, Cai et al proposed a novel multistep strategy to enhance the electrochromic properties of EC devices by implementing the adsorption/desorption, insertion/extraction, and reversible electrodeposition of Zn 2+ on the Nb 18 W 16 O 93 electrochromic film. 69 Nb 18 W 16 O 93 NCs film (Fig. 6j) was prepared by spray coating, which demonstrated the wide-band optical modulation over the VIS-NIR range (87.0%, 96.2%, and 92.8% at 400, 633, and 1200 nm, respectively).…”

Realizing Flexible Multicolored Electrochromism on Carbon Nanotubes through Thin-Film Interference

“…Although these examples successfully realize multicolored CNT fibers, the dynamic color-changing capabilities based on CNTs are still lacking. Electrochromism, as a typical technique that can alter the transparency or appearance color of materials/films by applying different voltages, offers broad prospects in smart windows and display devices. − In pursuit of versatile modulation, Wang et al used the Fabry−Perot cavity structure to fabricate electrochromic thin films with vivid structural colors . Based on this pioneering work, Li et al developed inverted-type devices by successively sputtering W and WO 3 onto the nylon-66-film as the upper electrochromic electrode, to avoid the impacted color quality as in the traditional sandwich-type devices .…”

Hydrogel-Based Stimuli-Responsive Radiative and/or Evaporative Cooling Materials for Carbon Neutrality

“…Radiative cooling can be used in a wide variety of application scenarios, including buildings, − solar panels, − wearable devices, − and food coolants. − For example, according to the 2021 Global State of the Building and Construction Report , the building and construction sector accounts for more than 34% of global energy demand in 2021; its share of CO 2 emissions associated with energy consumption and processes reaches around 37% . This has led to great concerns in energy consumption, especially in the era of global warming. , Using radiative cooling, the temperature of an object can even be reduced to lower than that of the ambient air in certain circumstances. − The term “cooling” here encompasses a reduction in temperature when compared without coverings under the same circumstances.…”