Interlayer UV-Photo-Cross-Linking Endowed PEDOT:PSS-Based Electrochromic Smart Windows with Highly Conductive and...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrochromic smart windows (ESWs) offer energy efficiency and comfort but suffer from interface delamination.
• Existing ESWs face challenges with environmental degradation and reduced lifespan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a UV-curing interfacial engineering strategy for enhancing ESW durability and performance.
• To create a multicross-linked network within the ESW structure using photosensitive polymers.

Main Methods:

• Incorporated photosensitive poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) into electrolyte and PEDOT:PSS active layers.
• Utilized UV curing to form a robust, cross-linked interface.
• Conducted spectroelectrochemical characterization and durability testing (20,000 s, 500 cycles).

Main Results:

• Developed a highly conductive (89.99 S cm^-1) and water/solvent-resistant PEDOT:PSS/PEGDMA film.
• Achieved excellent optical properties in the bleached state: 95.87% transmittance, 82.2% optical contrast (ΔT), and 1201.62 cm² C^-1 coloration efficiency (CE).
• UV-cured ESWs demonstrated 77.42% ΔT, 731.71 cm² C^-1 CE, retained 70.89% ΔT after 20,000 s, and showed a 2-hour optical memory effect.

Conclusions:

• The UV-curing interfacial strategy significantly improves ESW durability and performance.
• The developed PEDOT:PSS/PEGDMA system provides a foundation for advanced, long-lasting ESWs.
• Potential applications include smart architecture, intelligent sunroofs, and autodimming rearview mirrors.