Linear topology in amorphous metal oxide electrochromic networks obtained via low-temperature solution processing.

Title	Linear topology in amorphous metal oxide electrochromic networks obtained via low-temperature solution processing.
Authors	Anna Llordés, Yang Wang, Alejandro Fernandez-Martinez, Penghao Xiao, Tom Lee, Agnieszka Poulain, Omid Zandi, Camila A Saez Cabezas, Graeme Henkelman, Delia J Milliron
Magazine	Nature materials
Date	12/01/2016
DOI	10.1038/nmat4734
Introduction	Amorphous transition metal oxides are primary candidates for electrochromic window coatings due to their ability to dynamically modulate solar irradiation, thereby enhancing building energy efficiency. Typically, these films are produced using energy-consuming sputtering techniques or high-temperature solutions, which escalate production costs and complexity. This study introduces a room-temperature solution process for creating electrochromic films of niobium oxide glass (NbOx) and 'nanocrystal-in-glass' composites, specifically tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) nanocrystals within NbOx glass, through acid-catalysed condensation of polyniobate clusters. X-ray scattering, spectroscopy, and simulations reveal a unique one-dimensional chain-like NbOx structure that significantly enhances electrochromic performance over conventional three-dimensional NbOx networks formed by high-temperature processing. Additionally, the successful integration of self-assembled ITO-in-NbOx composite films into high-performance flexible electrochromic devices is demonstrated.
Quote	Anna Llordés, Yang Wang and Alejandro Fernandez-Martinez et al. Linear topology in amorphous metal oxide electrochromic networks obtained via low-temperature solution processing. Nat Mater. 2016. Vol. 15(12). DOI: 10.1038/nmat4734
Element	Niobium (Nb) , Tin (Sn) , Indium (In)
Materials	Oxides
Industry	Electronics , Energy Storage & Batteries