All-in-One Gel-Based Electrochromic Devices: Strengths and Recent Developments.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Device Engineering

Background:

• Electrochromic devices (ECDs) are of significant interest for applications like smart windows and displays.
• Commercialization requires simple, high-performance ECDs with competitive electrolytes.
• Existing liquid and solid electrolytes have drawbacks including instability, leakage, slow switching, and poor transparency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review "all-in-one" electrochromic device architectures utilizing gel electrolytes.
• To highlight the advantages and opportunities presented by gel electrolytes in ECDs.
• To discuss the potential of gel electrolytes for improved ECD performance and expanded color palettes.

Main Methods:

• Review of "all-in-one" electrochromic device architectures.
• Analysis of gel electrolyte properties compared to liquid and solid electrolytes.
• Discussion of processability, flexibility, stability, and cyclability.

Main Results:

• Gel electrolytes overcome limitations of liquid (instability, leakage) and solid (slow switching, opacity) electrolytes.
• They offer easier processability and suitability for flexible substrates.
• Gel electrolytes improve the stabilization of redox species, enhancing cyclability and color range.

Conclusions:

• Gel electrolytes represent a promising approach for developing easily implementable, high-performance ECDs.
• Their unique properties facilitate advanced applications in displays and smart systems.
• Further development can expand the electrochromic color palette and device capabilities.