Flexible solid-state photoelectrochromic windows
Photoelectrochromic smart window technology is extended to include the use of flexible substrates and solid-state electrolytes. This should facilitate their application as retrofit modifications of office windows, where, by blocking incoming solar irradiation, they could substantially lower air-conditioning costs. These devices are based on a dye-sensitized TiO{sub 2} electrode coupled with a 500 nm thick WO{sub 3} electrochromic counter electrode, separated by a cross-linked polymer electrolyte containing LiI. A novel method for preparing conducting nanoporous TiO{sub 2} films is described that allows for the construction of these devices on flexible organic substrates. Colloidal solutions of TiO{sub 2} free of surfactants were spin-coated onto indium-tin oxide coated polyester substrates, resulting in highly transparent films ranging from 100 nm to 1 {micro}m in thickness. Upon annealing at 100 C, these films were strongly adherent and displayed excellent photoconductivity as shown by their current-voltage characteristics. The devices typically transmit 75% of visible light in the bleached state. After a few minutes of exposure to white light (75 mW/cm{sup 2}), the windows turn dark blue, transmitting only 30% of visible light. They spontaneously bleach back to their initial noncolored state upon removal of the light source.
- Research Organization:
- National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 20003952
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Vol. 146, Issue 11; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1999; ISSN 0013-4651
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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