Synergistic Structural-Compositional Modification of V₂O₅/C Films for Enhanced Multicolor Electrochromic Devices

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrochromic material performance relies on efficient ion and electron transport during redox reactions.
• Simultaneously achieving high rates for both ion and electron transport is a significant challenge in electrochromic material development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a porous V2O5/C electrochromic film with enhanced ion and electron transport kinetics.
• To improve the electrochromic performance through a synergistic strategy involving structural and compositional optimization.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a V2O5/C electrochromic film using a dual structure-composition synergistic strategy.
• Optimization of the porous structure via facile and economic plasma treatment technology.
• Enhancement of electrical conductivity through residual carbon incorporation during annealing.

Main Results:

• Plasma treatment created an optimized small-size pore structure, improving electrolyte affinity and shortening ion transport paths.
• Residual carbon enhanced the material's conductivity, facilitating electron transport.
• The plasma-treated V2O5/C film exhibited 18.4% faster switching and 51.9% greater optical modulation compared to untreated films.

Conclusions:

• The developed strategy effectively enhances simultaneous ion and electron transport in V2O5/C electrochromic films.
• The optimized film demonstrates superior electrochromic performance, indicating potential for smart windows and displays.
• This approach offers a viable pathway for advancing other metal oxide-based electrochemical materials.