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Electrochromic (EC) windows face trade-offs in cost, switching speed, color neutrality, and durability. We present solution-processed n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF) as a robust organic conductor for black EC windows overcoming these limitations. Utilizing an engineered solvent ink and ultrasonic spray coating, we achieve uniform large-area n-PBDF deposition under ambient conditions without additives. n-PBDF EC electrodes show unprecedented weathering durability (maintaining performance under simultaneous exposure to light (including UV), heat, and humidity for >768 h), addressing a key barrier for organic EC materials. The electrodes exhibit deep black coloration with color neutrality, rapid switching (<2 s), and remarkable cycling stability (>20,000 cycles). Large-area EC devices demonstrate uniform switching performance, confirming scalable fabrication. Building energy simulations of the EC window reveal significant HVAC savings potential across diverse transitional climates. This work establishes n-PBDF as a scalable, high-performance alternative to conventional inorganic EC systems, advancing the viability of solution-processable smart windows for sustainable architecture.
Electrochromic materials are widely explored in energy-saving smart windows, yet combining fast switching, neutral black coloration, and robust long-term durability remains challenging. Here the authors report a solution processed n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) affording an electrochromic black window that overcomes these limitations.
Details
Electrodes;
Glass substrates;
Electrochromism;
Windows (computer programs);
Smart materials;
Heat;
Color;
Energy conservation;
Radiation;
Ethanol;
Electrolytes;
Fabrication;
Oxidation;
Temperature;
Solvents;
Windows (apertures);
Durability;
Energy efficiency;
Conductors;
Robustness (mathematics);
Coloration;
Cost control
; Mehra, Palak 1 ; Thurston, Jonathan R. 2 ; Tian, Yanpei 3 ; Liu, Xiaojie 4 ; Samal, Sanket 1
; You, Liyan 1 ; Song, Inho 5
; Ruan, Xiulin 3
; Toney, Michael F. 6
; Mei, Jianguo 1
1 James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA (ROR: https://ror.org/02dqehb95) (GRID: grid.169077.e) (ISNI: 0000 0004 1937 2197)
2 Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA (ROR: https://ror.org/02ttsq026) (GRID: grid.266190.a) (ISNI: 0000 0000 9621 4564)
3 School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA (ROR: https://ror.org/02dqehb95) (GRID: grid.169077.e) (ISNI: 0000 0004 1937 2197)
4 James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA (ROR: https://ror.org/02dqehb95) (GRID: grid.169077.e) (ISNI: 0000 0004 1937 2197); School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA (ROR: https://ror.org/02dqehb95) (GRID: grid.169077.e) (ISNI: 0000 0004 1937 2197)
5 James Tarpo Jr. and Margaret Tarpo Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA (ROR: https://ror.org/02dqehb95) (GRID: grid.169077.e) (ISNI: 0000 0004 1937 2197); Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea (ROR: https://ror.org/01r024a98) (GRID: grid.254224.7) (ISNI: 0000 0001 0789 9563)
6 Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering Program, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA (ROR: https://ror.org/02ttsq026) (GRID: grid.266190.a) (ISNI: 0000 0000 9621 4564)