Electrochromic devices

The Electrochromic device (ECD) controls the optical properties such as optical transmission, absorption, reflectance, and/or emittance in a continual but reversible manner on application of a voltage. This property enables the ECD to be used for applications like smart-window, electrochromic mirror, and electrochromic display devices.

History

The history of coloration goes back to 1704 when Diesbach discovered Prussian blue (hexacyanoferrate), which changes the color from transparent to blue under oxidation of iron. In the 1930s, Kobosew and Nekrassow first noted electrochemical coloration in bulk tungsten oxide. While working at Balzers in Lichtenstein, T. Kraus provided a detailed description of electrochemical coloration in thin film of tungsten trioxide (WO3) on 30 July 1953. In 1969, S. K. Deb demonstrated electrochromic coloration in WO3 thin films.^[1] Deb observed electrochromic color by applying electric field of the order of 10⁴ Vcm⁻¹ across WO3 thin film. In fact, the real birth of the EC technology is usually attributed to S. K. Deb’s seminal paper of 1973, wherein he described the coloration mechanism in WO3.^[2] The Electrochromism occurs due to the electrochemical redox reactions that take place in electrochromic materials. Various types of materials and structures can be used to construct electrochromic devices, depending on the specific applications.

Device Structure

Electrochromic Devices Structure

Electrochromic devices are one kind of electrochromic cells. The basic structure of ECD consists of two-EC layers separated by an electrolytic layer. The ECD works on an external voltage, for which the conducting electrodes are used on the either side of both EC layers. Electrochromic devices can be categorized in two types depending upon the kind of electrolyte used viz. laminated ECD are the one in which liquid gel is used while in solid electrolyte EC devices solid inorganic or organic material is used. The basic structure of electrochromic device embodies five superimposed layers on one substrate or positioned between two substrates in a laminated configuration. In this structure there are three principally different kinds of layered materials in the ECD: The EC layer and ion-storage layer conduct ions and electrons and belong to the class of mixed conductors. The electrolyte is a pure ion conductor and separates the two EC layers. The transparent conductors are pure electron conductors. Optical absorption occurs when electrons move into the EC layers from the transparent conductors along with charge balancing ions entering from the electrolyte.

Solid state ECD

Solid state ECD solid inorganic or organic material is used as an electrolyte.Ta2O5 and ZrO2 are the most extensively studied inorganic solid electrolyte.

Laminated ECD

Laminated ECD are the one in which liquid gel is used as an electrolyte.

Mode of operation

Modes of Electrochromic Device (ECD) Operation

Typically, ECD are of two types depending on the modes of device operation viz. transmission mode and reflectance mode. In transmission mode, the conducting electrodes are transparent and they control the light intensity passing through them; this mode is used in smart-windows application. In reflectance mode, one of the transparent-conducting electrodes (TCE)is replaced with a reflective surface like aluminum (Al), gold (Au), or silver (Ag), which controls the reflective light intensity; this mode is useful in rearview mirrors of cars and EC display devices.

Applications

EC windows

ANA Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner electrochromic window

The electrochromic windows, also known as smart windows, are new technological arrangement for achieve energy efficiency in buildings, with variable transmittance of light and solar energy. The ‘‘smart windows’’ can automatically control the amount of light and solar energy passing through the windows and provides indoor comfort. Smart windows are currently being used in an increasing number of buildings and vehicles. The Boeing Company provide electrochromic windows for the passenger cabin of the all-new 787 Dreamliner.^[3] which will allow passengers to electronically shade their windows, replacing the plastic screens found on today's airplanes. The Ferrari 575M Superamerica is also the very first production car to adopt an innovative rotating roof incorporating electrochromic technology developed exclusively for large glass surfaces, which transforms it from a coupe to a convertible in just a few seconds.

EC mirror

Electrochromic reflecting surfaces are employed as self darkening mirrors that regulate reflections of flashing light from following vehicles at night so that a driver can see them without discomfort.

Gentex first introduced a rear-view mirror that automatically adjusted to glare conditions in 1982. These mirrors have forward- and rearward-facing sensors to measure the ambient light level and glare of approaching vehicles, respectively.

A Gentex auto-dimming car mirror.

EC display

Electrochromic display operating in either reflecting or transmitting mode. Advantages of EC display is Low power consumption and cheap.

However, there are various other display applications where ECD can be used viz. electrochromic paper, electrochromic goggles, motorcycle helmet-visors. Electrochromic paper, which on touching it with a stylus electrode can create an image, has been prepared by incorporating ECs in paper. Furthermore, visors of helmets and goggles can be colored to a chosen degree at day times and bleached during the night

Electrochromic Devices manufacturers

SAGE Electrochromics

Gentex

Saint-Gobain

View, Inc.

PPG Aerospace a business unit of PPG Industries

EControl-Glas

Prelonic technologies

ECD Gallery

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  Electrochromic devices in bleached state, The MSU of Baroda, India ^[1]

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  Electrochromic devices in colored state, The MSU of Baroda, India

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  Glass electrochromic coating

1. ^ K.J. Patel, M.S. Desai, C.J. Panchal, H.N. Deota, U.B. Trivedi, J. Nano-

References