Solution-processable electrochromic materials and devices: roadblocks and strategies towards large-scale applications

Author(s): Xuefei Li ¹ ^, ² ^, ³ ^, ⁴ , Kuluni Perera ¹ ^, ² ^, ³ ^, ⁴ , Jiazhi He ¹ ^, ² ^, ³ ^, ⁴ , Aristide Gumyusenge ¹ ^, ² ^, ³ ^, ⁴ , Jianguo Mei ¹ ^, ² ^, ³ ^, ⁴

Publication date (Electronic): 2019

Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry C

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

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Abstract

This review describes figures of merit, challenges and strategies during the development of solution-processable electrochromic materials and devices for large-area smart window applications.

Abstract

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) that modulate optical transmission or reflection in a controllable manner are attractive in energy-saving and colour-tuning applications. In this review, we discuss the key components, fundamental working principles and performance metrics of ECDs using layman's terms. We also highlight recent materials development of each component and illustrate how the structure–property relationships impact their processability, device performance and stability. We further introduce emerging materials that exhibit electrochromic properties, and discuss the transition from laboratory-scale, half-cell-based characterisations of electrochromic materials to the fabrication of solid-state electrochromic devices and evaluation of their performances. Finally, we lay out major challenges for fabricating large-scale and cost-effective ECDs, particularly the materials design and fabrication strategies for achieving chemically and electrochemically stable, high performance ECDs that can be produced by roll-to-roll techniques.