ZN-BASED ENERGY SAVING SMART WINDOWS

The development of bi-functional smart window, which combine reversible battery-type electrochemical energy storage and electrochromic properties, is an significant step forward to tackle the energetic footprint of buildings. These innovative aqueous based devices can reversibly switch from a transparent discharged state to a colored (even fully opaque) charged state. When integrated in “green” buildings, they efficently regulate light and heat transfer, thus
reducing the energy consumption and recycling stored energy. The selling point of our approach lies in leveraging Reversible Zinc Electrodeposition (RZE) on a transparent conductive oxide anode, with the possibility of combining various electrochromic materials at the cathode.

Applications

• Smart windows
• Green buildings
• Battery state-of-charge sensor

Competitive advantages

• Eco-sustainable devices relying on abundant and non-toxic chemicals, as well as a safe and mild aqueous-based electrolyte
• Active electrochromic material in-situ regenerated with each cycle for high durability, and allowing to reach full opacity over a wide wavelength range
• Bifunctional devices delivering a voltage > 1.2 V with high energy efficiency
• Low cost due to easy of assembly and lack of electrode preconditioning steps to achieve reversible zinc electrodeposition (Pt seeds avoided)

Intellectual property

Patent

Keywords

Reversible zinc electrodeposition – Reversible metal electrodeposition - Electrochromic battery – Dual-tinting smart window