Recent progress in electrochromic energy storage materials and devices: a minireview

Area of Science:

• Electrochemistry
• Materials Science
• Smart Electronics

Background:

• Compact smart electronics require integrated functionalities.
• Electrochromic (EC) materials offer optical modulation with applied voltage.
• Energy storage is crucial for electronic device operation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in electrochromic (EC) multifunction systems.
• To highlight the integration of EC materials with energy storage.
• To showcase devices that visualize stored energy levels in real time.

Main Methods:

• Combining electrochromic materials with energy storage technologies.
• Developing single electrochemical systems for dual functions.
• Utilizing optical modulation of EC materials for energy level indication.

Main Results:

• Successful integration of EC materials and energy storage into single devices.
• Real-time visual indication of stored energy levels through color changes.
• Demonstration of compact, multifunctional systems with shared electrodes for energy harvesting and storage.

Conclusions:

• EC multifunction systems offer a pathway to miniaturized smart electronics.
• Visualizing energy storage via color change enhances user interaction.
• Integrated EC energy storage systems represent a significant advancement in device design.