Unlocking dual-band electrochromism with stacked structure of amorphous tungsten oxide and Prussian blue

Abstract

Dual-band electrochromic smart windows can selectively regulate the transmittance of visible and near-infrared (NIR) light, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption in buildings. However, the selective regulation for visible and NIR regions often relies on the integration of multiple components, together with meticulous design and fabrication. Herein, we propose the stacking of amorphous tungsten oxide (a-WO3) on the surface of Prussian blue (PB) through a straightforward magnetron sputtering deposition. Benefiting from the numerous voids-containing structures in the microstructure of a-WO3 films, the stacking structures are conducive to the insertion and transport of electrolyte ions, ensuring the electrochemical activity and electrochromic performance of the inner PB layer. The prepared PB/WO3 bilayer thin film can achieve three functionality modes in dual-band electrochromism: “bright”, “warm”, and “dark”, with high optical modulation of 74.9 % at 700 nm and 80.3 % at 1300 nm, respectively. Additionally, they demonstrate fast coloring/bleaching response (2.9/7.6 s at 700 nm and 6.0/6.2 s at 1300 nm) and satisfying cycling stability (retaining 95.3 % of its initial modulation after 500 cycles). The bilayer thin films based on amorphous electrochromic materials with an intrinsic abundance of voids-containing structures introduce a novel approach to the independent dual-band modulation for demanded light/thermal control.