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Boosting WO 3 ‐Based Electrochromic Performance for Practical Smart Windows: Balancing Charge Density and Matching Color Based on Mn 2+ /MnO 2 Counter‐Electrode Reaction
Author(s) -
Xie Haiyi,
Li Xiansheng,
Wang Zitao,
Zhao Jinxu,
Chen Qijun,
Wang Yifan,
Khalifa Mahmoud A.,
Zhao Bin,
Pei Gang,
Zheng Jianming,
Xu Chunye
Publication year - 2025
Publication title -
advanced optical materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.89
H-Index - 91
ISSN - 2195-1071
DOI - 10.1002/adom.202500015
Abstract Tungsten trioxide (WO 3 )‐based electrochromic devices (ECDs) often struggle to match suitable counter‐electrode materials due to their characteristic of high charge density and bluish hue. Herein, a new strategy is reported to meet the required charge density and color by introducing an interconversion between solution‐phase Mn 2+ and film‐phase MnO 2 as the counter‐electrode reaction in WO 3 ECDs, and completing the full process from design and optimization to fabricating a practical smart window prototype. By optimizing the harmful byproduct Mn 3+ in electrolytes with varying pH values, the typical ECD achieves overall modulation over 70% across the full visible spectrum, retains >90% modulation after 12 h, and maintains excellent stability after 10 000 cycles. Additionally, by gelling the electrolyte, the ECD retains ≈80% modulation retention after 4 h of power‐off at 80 °C. This approach also enables the smart window prototype to nearly block all solar radiation, reducing indoor temperature by over 40 °C, and enhancing waste heat recovery. Simulation results suggest that this smart window can significantly reduce building energy consumption in tropical and subtropical regions, offering promising application potential.