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An Inorganic Fiber-Polymer Composite-Based Quasi-Solid Electrolyte for High-Performance Electrochromic Devices
Xinnong Wang1, Fan Lan1, Ya Huang1
1Beijing Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Reaction Engineering and Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
ACS Nano
|May 13, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel silica nanofiber and polymer composite quasi-solid electrolyte for electrochromic devices (ECDs). This material significantly improves ion transport, leading to faster switching speeds and enhanced stability in ECDs.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Electrochromic devices (ECDs) offer tunable optical properties for photothermal modulation.
- Solid-state electrolytes enhance ECD safety but suffer from slow ion diffusion, limiting response speed.
- Developing advanced electrolytes is crucial for improving ECD performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a novel quasi-solid electrolyte for electrochromic devices (ECDs).
- To enhance ion transport kinetics and improve the response speed and stability of ECDs.
- To investigate the structure-property relationships of a silica nanofiber-polymer composite electrolyte.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a composite quasi-solid electrolyte using silica (SiO2) nanofibers and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).
- Characterization of the composite electrolyte's ionic conductivity and ion transport mechanisms.
- Assembly and testing of an ECD using the composite electrolyte with WO3 and V2O5 electrodes.
Main Results:
- The SiO2/PMMA composite electrolyte demonstrated high ionic conductivity (4.42 mS cm-1 at 20 °C).
- The composite electrolyte facilitated rapid Li+ ion transport through interfacial regions and along nanofiber surfaces.
- The resulting ECD exhibited fast switching (0.96s coloring, 0.8s bleaching), high coloration efficiency (247.36 cm2 C-1), and excellent cycling stability (86% after 1500 cycles).
Conclusions:
- The developed inorganic nanofiber-polymer composite quasi-solid electrolyte effectively overcomes the limitations of sluggish ion diffusion in traditional solid-state electrolytes.
- The unique structure of the SiO2 nanofibers enhances polymer chain mobility and creates pathways for rapid ion transport.
- This advanced electrolyte enables high-performance ECDs with rapid switching, efficient coloration, and long-term durability, paving the way for practical applications.
