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Decoding the gradient-distributed colour centers in electrochromic WO₃.

Sikang Xue^1,2, Jizhe Cui³, Chuchu Zhou^1,2

¹State Key Laboratory of Chemistry for NBC Hazards Protection, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China.

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|January 14, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Electrochromic tungsten oxide (WO3) nanosheets show thickness-dependent color changes due to lattice distortions and polaron distribution. This research clarifies the mechanism behind their optical properties for better energy-saving devices.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Solid State Physics

Background:

Electrochromic windows offer energy-saving potential by modulating optical properties.
The precise electrochromic mechanism in cathode materials like tungsten oxide (WO3) remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the thickness-dependent electrochromic characteristics of single-crystal WO3 nanosheets.
To elucidate the microscopic electrochromic mechanism in WO3 cathode materials.

Main Methods:

Utilized multislice electron ptychography to study WO3 nanosheets.
Analyzed lattice distortions, color center distribution, and polaron heterogeneity.

Main Results:

Discovered that color centers in WO3 are linked to lattice distortions, decreasing from surface to bulk.
Observed a phase transition (monoclinic to tetragonal/cubic) driven by heterogeneous polarons.
Found a volcano-type trend in the band gap, explaining the yellow-to-blue/black color shift with decreasing thickness.

Conclusions:

Visualized actual color centers, clarifying the electrochromic mechanism in WO3.
Established a framework for developing high-performance electrochromic devices based on thickness-controlled properties.