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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

An Electrochemical Cholesteric Liquid Crystalline Device for Quick and Low-Voltage Color Modulation
Published on: February 27, 2019
A bi-functional device for self-powered electrochromic window and self-rechargeable transparent battery applications
Jinmin Wang1, Lei Zhang2, Le Yu2
11] Luminous! Centre of Excellence for Semiconductor Lighting and Displays, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore [2] School of Urban Development and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Second Polytechnic University, Shanghai 201209, China.
Researchers developed a self-powered electrochromic window that functions as a rechargeable battery. This innovative device offers self-bleaching and self-coloration capabilities, reducing energy consumption in green buildings.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
- Sustainable Building Technologies
Background:
- Electrochromic smart windows are key for green buildings but require external power.
- Conventional devices lead to additional energy consumption.
- A need exists for self-powered, energy-efficient smart window solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a self-powered electrochromic window.
- To create a device that doubles as a self-rechargeable transparent battery.
- To eliminate the need for external power sources in smart windows.
Main Methods:
- Utilized aluminum and Prussian blue (PB) in a potassium chloride electrolyte.
- Demonstrated reduction of PB to Prussian white (PW) for self-bleaching.
- Investigated spontaneous oxidation of PW to PB by dissolved oxygen for self-coloration.
Main Results:
- Successfully created a self-powered electrochromic window.
- The device exhibits self-bleaching (PB to PW) and self-coloration (PW to PB).
- The device functions as a self-rechargeable transparent battery.
Conclusions:
- The Prussian blue/aluminum device is bifunctional: a self-powered electrochromic window and a self-rechargeable transparent battery.
- This technology reduces energy consumption in smart windows.
- Offers a sustainable solution for green buildings and energy storage.
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