Electrochromic characterization of sol–gel deposited coatings

Electrochromic devices have increasing application in large-area display devices, switchable mirrors and smart windows. A variety of vacuum deposition technologies have been used to make electrochromic devices. The sol–gel process offers an alternative approach to the synthesis of low-cost, high-quality electrochromic device layers. This paper discusses the developments in sol–gel-deposited electrochromic films and a prototype all sol–gel device with switching from 80% to 50% (550nm). The sol–gel process involves the formation of oxide networks upon hydrolysis–condensation of alkoxide precursors. In this study, we cover sol–gel-deposited oxides of WO3, TiO2, Nb2O5, V2O5, Ni(OH)2, Co(OH)2 and CuOx. The coloration reaction voltammetry and spectral optical properties are presented for selected films.