ABSTRACT
Electrochromic (EC) devices are widely researched for their use in energy-efficient smart windows. These devices can dynamically change color under applied potential, which makes them indispensable in many of the applications. To improve the feasibility of smart windows, many researchers are utilizing different materials and electrolytes that can provide EC devices with improved coloration efficiencies, faster switching times, longer life cycles, and potentially reduced costs. Efforts have been made to demonstrate new state-of-the-art EC devices that go beyond the capabilities of commonly used existing EC materials. These include working with new composites, nanocrystals, and porous materials as building blocks to enable independent control over visible and near-infrared to infrared transmittance. In this chapter we describe the working fundamentals of such EC devices and compare their performances. We provide examples of their use in both prototype and commercial EC devices. This chapter also looks at the reasons on significant drawbacks related to cost, durability, and functionality of these EC devices.
