July
Picture of the Month - July 2023
Al2O3 protective layer for electrochromic WOx films
Tungsten oxide is an intensively studied representative for electrochromic materials in smart windows due to its exceptional coloring performance. However, for commercial use, further optimization of the overall cycling stability as well as protection against external influences, such as moisture, is required.
For this purpose, an additional ultrathin Al2O3 layer is deposited on top of the rf-sputtered a-WOx films using ALD. This layer system exhibits significantly improved stability to electrochemical treatment and also shows a positive effect towards the influence of water.
The superiority of such a combined Al2O3|a-WOx layer system and its stabilizing effect in terms of long-term electrochromic switching may become a key factor for future concepts of electrochromic devices.
Publication: Mario Gies, Sebastian L. Benz, Mark M. Pradja, Derck Schlettwein, Sangam Chatterjee, Martin Becker, Angelika Polity „Ultrathin Al2O3 protective layer to stabilize the electrochromic switching performance of amorphous WOx thin films”, Adv. Mater. Interfaces 2023, 2202422; https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202202422
This picture was submitted by PD Dr. Angelika Polity.
Further insights into the research activities of the ZfM groups can be found in the Gallery.