Comparative studies of `all sol-gel' electrochromic devices with optically passive counter-electrode films, ormolyte Li super(+) ion-conductor and WO sub(3) or Nb sub(2)O sub(5) electrochromic films

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells Vol. 56; no. 3-4; pp. 343 - 373
• Main Authors: Orel, B, Krasovec, U Opara, Macek, M, Svegl, F, Stangar, U Lavrencic
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 30.01.1999
• ISSN: 0927-0248

Laminated electrochromic (EC) devices are becoming increasingly important for making `smart' windows and switchable displays. Mostly, polymeric Li super(+) ionic conductors in combination with vacuum deposited active electrochromic and counter-electrode films are used. In this paper we report on the development of all sol-gel EC devices, that is, those where all three internal layers are prepared via the sol-gel route, including the ionically conductive inorganic-organic hybrid (ormolyte). The electrochemical and optical properties of EC devices are presented and the cycling stability and reversibility of their optical modulation assessed. The results show that WO sub(3)/ormolyte/SnO sub(2):Mo, WO sub(3)/ormolyte /SnO sub(2):Sb, WO sub(3)/ormolyte/SnO sub(2): Sb : Mo, Nb sub(2)O sub(5)/ormolyte /SnO sub(2): Sb : Mo and WO sub(3)/ormolyte/LiCo-oxide exhibit a transmission modulation dependent on the thickness of the active electrochromic and counter-electrode films and the thickness of the ormolyte layer. Electrochemical and optical properties of individual films are described and correlated with the stability of the all sol-gel EC devices.