Multifunctional integrated electrochromic device by p-n conductive polymers for self-powered smart windows and miniaturized spectrometers.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41429789.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-025-67903-1 and PMC identifier 12748897.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-ND.
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Abstract
Electrochromic devices enable dynamic modulation of light and heat, yet their broader adoption is hindered by limited color tunability, slow switching kinetics, and low coloration efficiency. Here, we present a complementary organic electrochromic device that addresses these challenges by employing dual conductive polymers: poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) and poly(benzodifurandione). The resulting device delivers exceptional performance, featuring a high optical contrast of 51% at 570 nm, ultrafast switching speeds (0.17/0.36 s for coloration/bleaching), a record-high coloration efficiency (1688 cm<sup>2</sup> C⁻<sup>1</sup> at 550 nm), and excellent cycling stability over 10,000 cycles. By integrating the device with a semitransparent organic solar cell, we realize a fully self-powered smart window with reducing indoor temperatures by 7 °C. Furthermore, coupling the electrochromic filter with a 4 × 4 organic photodetector array featuring on-chip Fabry-Pérot cavities enables a miniaturized spectrometer with 7.2 nm spectral resolution. This multifunctional electrochromic platform seamlessly bridges smart-window technology and spectral sensing, paving the way for energy-efficient, and compact optoelectronic systems.