1. Synergistic design of processable Nb2O5-TiO2 bilayer nanoarchitectonics: enabling high coloration efficiency and superior stability in dual-band electrochromic energy storage.
- Author
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Amate, Rutuja U., Morankar, Pritam J., Teli, Aviraj M., Beknalkar, Sonali A., and Jeon, Chan-Wook
- Subjects
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SUBSTRATES (Materials science) , *ENERGY storage , *OPTICAL modulation , *THIN films , *LIGHT transmission - Abstract
[Display omitted] • Delves into the design and synthesis of Nb 2 O 5 -TiO 2 bilayer thin films via hydrothermal method. • Intricate analysis of dual-band electrochromic energy storage through Nb 2 O 5 -TiO 2 bilayer nanoarchitectonics. • Investigate the influence of TiO 2 varying annealing temperature on overall electrochemical performance. • The objective of study is to regulate light and thermal dynamics while exhibiting superior charge storage. • The development of large-scale device boasting exceptional electrochromic energy storage characteristics. This paper introduces a proof of concept for a dual-band electrochromic (EC) device to modulate solar light transmission across visible and near-infrared regions selectively. EC materials based on ion insertion/extraction mechanisms also present the possibility for energy storage, widening its functionality to the supercapacitor platform. The bi-functional performance of dual-band radiation control and energy storage was achieved by exploiting two earth-abundant metal oxides that could absorb two different spectral regions when electrochemically charged. The bilayer structure was prepared using a one-step hydrothermal method, which produced Nb 2 O 5 -TiO 2 bilayer on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass substrates. The nano-dimensions of the active materials endorse the development of high-transparency thin film under open circuit conditions. The variations in the TiO 2 annealing temperature influence the crystallinity and surface morphology of the thin films, which influence the performance of dual-band EC energy storage. The well-optimized NT-500 sample facilitated exclusive electron-charge transport, producing excellent electrochemical performance in dual-band EC and energy storage. A large optical modulation of 80.4 % and 89.8 % at 600 nm and 800 nm (near-infrared) was achieved with an enhanced areal capacitance of 88.1 mF/cm2 and excellent cycling stability after continuous coloring/bleaching cycles for 18,000 s. This paper presents a prototype bi-functional device based on NT-500, which showed independent control and modulation of visible and near-infrared transmittance. Notably, the device retained excellent energy storage performance alongside its advanced optical functionalities. This bilayer nanostructure capitalizes on the inherent electrochemical properties of both materials and introduces novel features that can potentially revolutionize the platform of EC-energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2025
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