Multicolor Tunable Electrochromic Materials Based on the Burstein-Moss Effect

Inorganic electrochromic (EC) materials, which can reversibly switch their optical properties by current or potential, are at the forefront of commercialization of displays and smart windows. However, most inorganic EC materials have challenges in achieving multicolor tunability. Here, we propose that the Burstein-Moss (BM) effect, which could widen the optical gap by carrier density, could be a potential mechanism to realize the multicolor tunable EC phenomenon. Degenerated semiconductors with suitable fundament band gaps and effective carrier masses could be potential candidates for multicolor tunable EC materials based on the BM effect. We select bulk Y2CF2 as an example to illustrate multicolor tunability based on the BM effect. In addition to multicolor tunability, the BM effect also could endow EC devices with the ability to selectively modulate the absorption for near infrared and visible light, but with a simpler device structure. Thus, we believe that this mechanism could be applied to design novel EC smart windows with unprecedented functions.

Automated summary

Inorganic electrochromic (EC) materials are widely used in displays and smart windows for reversible optical property changes. However, achieving multicolor tunability is a challenge for most inorganic EC materials. This study suggests that the Burstein-Moss (BM) effect, which expands the optical gap through carrier density, could be a potential mechanism to realize multicolor tunability in EC materials. By selecting suitable degenerate semiconductors with appropriate band gaps and carrier masses, multicolor tunable EC materials based on the BM effect may be developed. The BM effect also allows selective modulation of absorption for near infrared and visible light, offering potential applications in designing novel EC smart windows.