High‐Performance Electrochromic Smart Window for Energy‐Saving Applications Based on WO 3 and Polycarbazole

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Authors: Xiong Liu, Qiang Zhang, Hongyang Li, Shunyu Wang, Dongwen Zou, Yaowu He, Jingyan Liu, Lintao Zeng, Ying Cui, Yingda Zhang, Hong Meng
Cited by: 2
References: 37

Abstract

ABSTRACT Electrochromic technology has garnered significant attention for smart windows due to its dynamic solar regulation capability. However, current implementations suffer from limitations such as low optical contrast, slow switching speed, and poor cycling stability. This study addresses these challenges by designing a bipolar electrochromic architecture combining thermally‐cured WO 3 and alkoxy‐functionalized polycarbazole derivatives (CTPAO1 and CTPAO3). The optimized ECD2 (based on WO 3 and CTPAO3) achieves a comprehensive contrast of 77.4% (200–2350 nm) with a peak modulation of 87.5% at 730 nm. The device exhibits outstanding cycling stability, retaining 95% of its optical contrast after 20 000 cycles. Notably, benefiting from efficient ion transport pathways, it also shows excellent switching kinetics with a coloration time of 1.0 s and a bleaching time of 0.7 s. Building energy efficiency simulations predict that smart windows incorporating ECD2 can achieve total annual energy savings ranging from 13.1% to 50.8% across five climate zones in China. The energy‐saving effect is particularly significant in Haikou, with an estimated annual saving of 56.5 kW h/m 2 . This work provides a feasible solution for high‐performance, energy‐efficient electrochromic smart windows.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Transition Metal Oxide Nanomaterials Pigment Synthesis and Properties Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques

Publication details

Journal / source
Advanced Energy Materials
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
16
Issue
16
Publication date
15 February 2026
Language
EN