A solar-powered multifunctional and multimode electrochromic smart window based on WO3/Prussian blue complementary structure

Energy used in buildings for heating, cooling, and lighting has been one of the most important sector in the global energy consumption. To decrease the energy consumption in buildings, smart windows that can flexibly change their optical and thermal properties is considered as a promising technology. In this work, a multifunctional smart window is designed by using a complementary structure based on a tungsten oxide thin film and a Prussian blue thin film, which is powered by an integrated dye-sensitized solar cell. A partly covered TiO2 thick layer accompanied with I-/I3- redox severs as the photo-electron conversion system. The WO3 thin film and Prussian blue thin film are employed as complementary electrochromic layers. The as-designed smart window exhibits continuously adjustable optical modulation and temperature regulation corresponding to the switch between different working modes. Moreover, the device shows energy-storage ability with a specific capacitance of 11.5 mF cm(-2) and excellent durability. The as-designed solar-powered multifunctional and multimode electrochromic device presents promising application potentiality as smart windows in modern buildings.

Automated summary

Energy consumption in buildings, especially for heating, cooling, and lighting, is a crucial sector globally. To reduce energy consumption, smart windows that can change their optical and thermal properties have been considered as a promising technology. In this study, a multifunctional smart window was designed using a complementary structure of tungsten oxide and Prussian blue thin films, powered by an integrated dye-sensitized solar cell. The window exhibited adjustable optical modulation and temperature regulation, with energy-storage ability and excellent durability, presenting potential applications in modern buildings.