Oxide electrochromics: Why, how, and whither

Electrochromic oxides form the basis of smart windows which are able to provide energy efficiency and indoor comfort simultaneously. This paper attempts to give an introduction to smart windows technology, which finally seems to be ready for large-scale applications. The whys and hows are discussed from the viewpoints of materials, device technology, low-cost manufacturing aspects, and applications to buildings as well as niche products. Furthermore, there are some speculations as to the whithers of oxide electrochromics for applications to buildings of the future. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.