Work

Multiscale Synergistic Engineering of Constructed Devices Enables Ultrafast Real‐Time Dynamic Photochromic‐Electrochromic Optical Modulation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Photochromic–electrochromic dual‐responsive devices hold great promise for dynamic optical modulation and energy‐efficient smart systems. However, achieving rapid, reversible, and bidirectional color switching remains a significant challenge, limited by unbalanced charge transport and poor interfacial stability. Here, a multiscale synergistic design strategy is presented that integrates nanostructure engineering, charge transport regulation, and interface optimization. Molybdenum‐doped tungsten oxide quantum dots are composited with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate to construct a dual‐responsive functional layer. Mo doping introduces additional oxygen vacancies in tungsten oxide lattice, enhancing electrochemical activity and facilitating coupled ion/electron transport within the composite. The engineered interfacial architecture suppresses charge accumulation, accelerating the photo response and enhancing the synergistic photoelectric performance. The device fabricated by integrating a functional layer and a hydrogel electrolyte between two indium tin oxide electrodes exhibit bidirectional optical control: under a −3 V bias, visible light‐induced coloration is enhanced, reducing transmittance from 19.6% to 10.5%; applying a +1.5 V bias enables ultrafast bleaching within 3 s—6 600 times faster than passive fading. Additionally, the device achieves a temperature drop of 10.25 °C, demonstrating its excellent passive insulation performance. This work offers a pathway toward next‐generation chromic devices with fast, reversible, and energy‐efficient performance for adaptive optoelectronics and sustainable building technologies.

Source: Advanced Optical Materials

DOI: 10.1002/adom.202502805