Advances in electrochromic device technology : Multiple roads towards superior durability

• Most electrochromic (EC) devices must have a service lifetime of many years, and this is particularly so for “smart windows” in buildings with good energy efficiency and indoor comfort. The central part of oxide-based EC devices contains thin films based on W oxide and Ni oxide together with an interposed electrolyte. Depending on operating conditions, these films may show degradation at a slower or faster pace, and means to prevent or reverse this phenomenon, or as a minimum allow reliable lifetime prediction, have been sought ever since the beginnings of EC technology. Here we survey recent endeavors related to EC films of W oxide and Ni oxide and show that (i) electrochemical pretreatment of films in a liquid electrolyte can significantly improve durability, (ii) electrochemical posttreatment in a liquid electrolyte can rejuvenate degraded films, (iii) mixed oxides can have better durability and optical performance than corresponding pure oxides, and (iv) lifetime prediction is possible.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Materialkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Materials Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Electrochromism

Durability

Tungsten oxide

Nickel oxide

Smart window

Energy efficient glazing

Engineering Science with specialization in Solid State Physics

Teknisk fysik med inriktning mot fasta tillståndets fysik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)