Gemstone-Inspired Full-Color-Spectrum Electrochromic Coatings: Exploring Redox, Optical and Ion-Transport Properties
Abstract
Research problem: future coatings are multi-functional, being able to electrochemically vary their optical absorption property on-demand, in addition to their chemical stability and mechanical robustness for protecting structural exteriors. Our technical approach is to make synthetic analogy of the beautiful and colorful gemstones in nature, by alloying stable oxide matrix of TiO2 and Al2O3 with redox-active, earth-abundant transition metal elements in a layer-by-layer atomic-layer deposition (ALD) process. Preliminary results show the potential of this class of materials to achieve electrochemically tunable optical transitions, i.e. electrochromic effects. In this concept study, we propose to perform basic materials discovery and processing development for proof-of-concept demonstration of red-to-transparent and green-to-transparent electrochromic oxide coatings, which are currently understudied for electrochromic applications. This work will seed the discovery of full-spectrum electrochromic materials, where combinatorial materials synthesis and characterization will feedback the theory prediction thereby closing the discovery loop. While we aim at new color-switching functionalities of coatings, we will also optimize their ion transport and integrate with ionic electrolytes for their initial proof-of-concept demonstration for ONR relevant applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 26, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812576
Entities
People
- Shu Hu
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- Yale University