Recent Advances in Electrochromic Smart Fenestration

Fenestration, such as windows, plays a key role in modern architecture as it has enormous impact on the energy efficiency and comfort to the occupants of the building. Herein, current state-of-art strategies of nanostructured electrochromic materials, the fabrication of large scale smart windows, rational design of multifunctional smart chromogenic devices, and their performance are highlighted. Moreover, the current challenges from material selection to smart window performance are discussed and feasible solutions are provided. Development of a novel, simple, and economical synthesis of electrochromic materials is the first step in realizing high-performance smart window. In addition, electrolyte, packaging materials, and judicious design of the fabrication process also play critical roles in the development of multifunctional and energy-efficient smart windows. Finally, the concept of energy-efficient multifunctional smart windows is addressed in which the smart windows are powered by sustainable energy in daytime, while the windows dynamically control the solar radiation into the building through transmittance modulation, enabling adjustable occupant's privacy. Sustainable energy can be stored in the smart windows during daytime and can be discharged to power other electronic devices at night. It is envisioned that this review shall promote a rapid development on electrochromic materials and novel multifunctional smart windows.