Nano Aerogel-Based VIS-NIR Switchable Electrochromic Supercapacitor: Energy Storage and Heat-Shielding Device
Love Bansal1, Franziska Lübkemann-Warwas2,3, Bhumika Sahu1
1Materials and Device Laboratory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol-453552, India.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 16, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel electrochromic smart window combining energy storage and temperature control. This multifunctional device offers energy savings and efficient temperature shielding for buildings.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Storage
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Demand for power-efficient electrochromic devices with multifunctional applications, particularly in energy storage and savings, is rising.
- Existing smart windows often lack integrated energy storage or advanced temperature control capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate an inorganic-organic electrochromic smart window with integrated supercapacitive energy storage.
- To achieve tunable color modulation for visible and infrared radiation control, enabling energy savings through temperature shielding.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a self-supporting aerogel-type network of tin-doped indium oxide (a-ITO) nanoparticles.
- Integration of a-ITO doped poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) and viologen into an electrochromic device.
- Characterization of electrochromic performance, coloration efficiency, switching time, color contrast, and specific capacitance.
Main Results:
- The device demonstrated bias-induced color modulation in visible and infrared ranges at 1.6 V.
- Achieved a maximum coloration efficiency of 966 cm²/C, switching time of 0.5 s, and color contrast of 61%.
- Exhibited a high specific capacitance of 17 F/g and a maximum cooling efficiency of 32% for temperature shielding.
Conclusions:
- A novel electrochromic smart window with integrated energy storage and temperature shielding capabilities was successfully developed.
- The developed device offers a promising solution for energy-efficient smart windows and buildings.
- The recipe provides a pathway for designing multicolor-switchable, energy-storing, and energy-saving smart windows.
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