Paper of the TCM axis
The paper "AgNW Network as Suitable Transparent Electrodes for Electrochromic Device based on Sputtered WO3 and NiO Thin Films" has been published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
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Here you will find the paper of the TCM axis
"Electrochromic (EC) devices traditionally rely on indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrodes; however, ITO's brittleness and indium criticality prompt the search for viable alternatives. This study demonstrates an ITO-free EC architecture based on silver nanowire (AgNW) networks deposited by spray coating, followed by spatial atomic layer deposition of a conformal ∼30 nm SnO2 protective layer, to enhance electrode durability. WO3 and NiO electrochromic layers are subsequently deposited by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering. Systematic investigation of AgNW/SnO2/WO3 films reveals an optimal sheet resistance (Rsh) range of 50–60 Ω sq−1, providing the best balance between conductivity and transparency and resulting in maximum optical contrast. These films exhibit good switching speeds of a few seconds with superior coloration efficiency (36 cm2 C−1 at 550 nm ≪ 87 cm2 C−1 at 1200 nm) and higher EC performance in the IR region, making them particularly promising for IR-modulating smart windows. For complementary devices, NiO thickness is doubled relative to WO3 to compensate for its lower charge capacity and ensure a balanced redox response. A full WO3/NiO device using AgNW electrodes and LiTFSI-PMMA gel electrolyte demonstrates reversible colorless-to-blue switching between ±1.5 V. These results establish AgNW-based electrodes as a promising ITO alternative for next-generation EC applications."
"Electrochromic (EC) devices traditionally rely on indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent electrodes; however, ITO's brittleness and indium criticality prompt the search for viable alternatives. This study demonstrates an ITO-free EC architecture based on silver nanowire (AgNW) networks deposited by spray coating, followed by spatial atomic layer deposition of a conformal ∼30 nm SnO2 protective layer, to enhance electrode durability. WO3 and NiO electrochromic layers are subsequently deposited by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering. Systematic investigation of AgNW/SnO2/WO3 films reveals an optimal sheet resistance (Rsh) range of 50–60 Ω sq−1, providing the best balance between conductivity and transparency and resulting in maximum optical contrast. These films exhibit good switching speeds of a few seconds with superior coloration efficiency (36 cm2 C−1 at 550 nm ≪ 87 cm2 C−1 at 1200 nm) and higher EC performance in the IR region, making them particularly promising for IR-modulating smart windows. For complementary devices, NiO thickness is doubled relative to WO3 to compensate for its lower charge capacity and ensure a balanced redox response. A full WO3/NiO device using AgNW electrodes and LiTFSI-PMMA gel electrolyte demonstrates reversible colorless-to-blue switching between ±1.5 V. These results establish AgNW-based electrodes as a promising ITO alternative for next-generation EC applications."