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Self-Driven Multicolor Electrochromic Energy Storage Windows Powered by a "Perpetual" Rechargeable Battery
Yanling Zhai1, Ying Li1, Zhijun Zhu1
1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering , Qingdao University , 308 Ningxia Road , Qingdao , Shandong 266071 , P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|November 6, 2019
Summary
This study introduces color-tunable, self-powered electrochromic energy storage windows (EESWs). These innovative windows integrate energy storage and electrochromism, offering a sustainable solution for smart buildings and displays.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Conventional electrochromic windows (ECWs) require external power, limiting their energy efficiency and color options.
- Electrochromic energy storage windows (EESWs) combine electrochromism with energy storage, enabling self-powered applications.
- Existing EESWs face challenges in color tunability and sustainable power sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, color-tunable, self-powered EESW.
- To integrate electrochromism and energy storage for energy-efficient smart windows.
- To demonstrate a rechargeable battery system for powering EESWs without external stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Prussian blue (PB) to control the fluorescence of CdSe quantum dots for color tuning.
- Constructed a self-recharging battery using Fe/PB and Prussian white (PW)/Pt half-cells.
- Investigated the switching mechanism by altering the connection status of the half-cells.
Main Results:
- Achieved a color-tunable EESW with emission from nonemissive to red, yellow, and green.
- Demonstrated a self-powered EESW capable of fast discharging and self-charging cycles.
- Exhibited excellent performance including quick response times (7s off, 50s on), high transmittance and fluorescence contrast modulation (60-86%), and good reproducibility (3% decrease over 30 cycles).
Conclusions:
- The developed self-powered EESW offers a promising solution for energy-efficient smart windows and self-powered displays.
- The integrated battery system provides a sustainable and "perpetual" power source, overcoming limitations of external biases.
- This technology represents a significant advancement in smart window functionality and energy harvesting.
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