journal article·2015-10Open access

Eliminating degradation and uncovering ion-trapping dynamics in electrochromic WO3 thin films

Rui-Tao Wen, Claes G. Granqvist, Gunnar A. Niklasson

Nature Materials· Volume 14· Issue 10

Abstract

There is keen interest in the use of amorphous WO3 thin films as cathodic electrodes in transmittance-modulating electrochromic devices. However, these films suffer from ion-trapping-induced degradation of optical modulation and reversibility on extended Li(+)-ion exchange. Here, we demonstrate that ion-trapping-induced degradation, which is commonly believed to be irreversible, can be successfully eliminated by constant-current-driven de-trapping; that is, WO3 films can be rejuvenated and regain their initial highly reversible electrochromic performance. Pronounced ion trapping occurs when x exceeds ∼0.65 in LixWO3 during ion insertion. We find two main kinds of Li(+)-ion-trapping site (intermediate and deep) in WO3, where the intermediate ones are most prevalent. Li(+) ions can be completely removed from intermediate traps but are irreversibly bound in deep traps. Our results provide a general framework for developing and designing superior electrochromic materials and devices.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Transition Metal Oxide Nanomaterials · Advanced Memory and Neural Computing · Gas Sensing Nanomaterials and Sensors

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