Multifunctional Electrochromic Devices for Energy Applications

Abstract

A lot of development in terms of science and technology has taken place to address the increasing energy needs. This demand is expected to increase, especially due to environmental concerns associated with fossil fuels which have led to aggressive research toward energy storage materials and devices. Looking at this emerging trend, devices and materials that can convert, store, and save energy are the need of the hour. Electrochromic devices that assimilate these energy functionalities, along with bias-induced color modulation, are very promising as they not only help in energy conversion and storage but also help in energy saving when used as smart e-curtains for application in buildings and vehicles. The current Focus Review describes the promise of multifunctional electrochromic devices which can convert/generate and store energy through operations similar to batteries and supercapacitors. It also explains how electrochromism can prove to be a breakthrough in energy-related areas along with key challenges.

Mescoporous Nickel Titanate–Titanium Oxide Complex Material for Enhanced Energy Storage Application

“…It requires more reliable power sources that compromise high energy density and more extended durability − also to decrease already overburdened fossil fuels’ resources. Nowadays, solar cells, multifunctional electrochromic devices, − batteries, and supercapacitors − are proving their ability to store charge/energy for electronic gadgets. Supercapacitors have become one of the most promising energy storage devices, as they have high energy density, high power density, fast charging–discharging, and long cyclic stability. , This has attracted more attention due to their application in green vehicles, the need of the hour to meet global challenges.…”

Deposition of Nanostructured Tungsten Oxide Layers by a New Method: Periodic Modulation of the Deposition Angle

“…ECDs are devices that reversibly change their optical properties when a difference potential is applied to them. Major requirements for electrochromic materials include a rapid and reversible coloration with a minimized switching (coloration-bleaching) time, long-time retention of the colored state (the memory effect), as well as high stability and long exploitation time without degradation. ,, In turn, these parameters are determined by the composition, structure, and thickness of the electrochromic layer. − …”

Enhancing NIR Electrochromism with Twisted Copolymer Films of Corannulene-Carbazole and 3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene

“…Near-infrared (NIR) electrochromic materials have attracted great attention from researchers with a diversity of applications, , such as smart windows, energy storage devices, camouflage, optical telecommunications, and so on. As thermal control materials, NIR electrochromic materials can regulate the building temperature by controlling the transmittance of NIR light through electrochemical bias, which may be a potential solution to significant energy consumption by air conditioners. − Various organic materials have been adapted to NIR electrochromic smart windows, including single molecules and polymers.…”