Low-Spin Fe Redox-Based Prussian Blue with excellent selective dual-band electrochromic modulation and energy-saving applications

Abstract

Dual-band electrochromic materials (DBEMs) are of utmost importance for smart windows to realize independent control of the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) light. However, very few single-component DBEMs are capable of independently and effectively controlling both VIS and NIR light. Here, we present Prussian blue (PB) with remarkable performance to replace the composite DBEMs that require deliberate design and complicated preparation. Excellent durability and capacity were achieved simultaneously due to the activated low-spin Fe in PB. A dual-band electrochromic device (DBED) by using PB thin films as electrochromic layers was constructed, exhibiting superior dual-band electrochromic performance, energy storage performance and memory effect. We show that the energy-saving DBED can be bleached without applying any external bias potential, and can be colored by using a commercial photovoltaic solar panel under ambient solar irradiation. The stored energy during coloration can be further used to light up the lights. Finally, the coloration mechanism of the DBED was studied by the density functional theory calculations, to shed light on the large optical transmittance modulation in both VIS and NIR regions. The new insights will advance the design of efficient and durable DBEMs and the development of bi-functional smart windows.