Abstract: Electrochromic “smart” windows allow control of solar and heat flux through the window without sacrificing the view. Despite such appeal, traditional technologies lack the inability to simultaneously achieve fast switching with color neutral tinting and a wide optical dynamic range at low cost. Reversible metal electrodeposition (RME) addresses the drawbacks of existing metal-oxide electrochromic technologies. Several possible RME electrolytes at various pHs with different supporting anions were studied (NO3?, SO42?, ClO4, Cl?, Br?). Acidic perchlorate electrolytes work particularly well, permitting fully reversible metal electrodeposition without harming the substrate or introducing irreversible side reactions. The perchlorate electrolyte shows promising long-term durability in terms of both cycle life and shelf-life, demonstrating 10,000 stable cycles with no evidence of electrode etching.

Abstract: Design of transparent mesh counter electrodes for use in dynamic window articles capable of reversible metal electrodeposition (RME). Such an RME window may include a transparent conductive electrode, an electrolyte in contact with the electrode, where the electrolyte includes metal cations that can be reversibly electrodeposited onto the electrode, and a mesh counter electrode. The mesh counter electrode includes an electrochemically inert core with a thin metal coating thereover. The thin metal coating can be of the material that is involved in electrodeposition (e.g., a combination of copper and bismuth). The mesh counter electrode is substantially transparent (e.g., transparency of at least about 70%). Such a mesh counter electrode can provide a high capacity (1.5 C/cm2) that provides good durability over numerous tinting and bleaching cycles, with minimal change in coloration efficiency, reflection profile, and electrodeposition metal concentration (e.g., [Cu2+]) in the electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems of reversible metal electrodeposition (RME) devices with applications in dynamic smart windows. Embodiments use a RME device that includes two transparent substrates that sandwich a working electrode, counter electrode, and an electrolyte solution. Embodiments apply a pulsed voltage to the RME device that causes electrochemical deposition of metal ions from the electrolyte solution to create a metallic film on the working electrode. The metallic film results in reduced light transmittance of the RME device.

Abstract: Dynamic windows with adjustable tint give users greater control over flow of light and heat. Reversible metal electrodeposition dynamic windows include (i) a transparent or translucent conductive electrode; (ii) an electrolyte solution in contact with the electrode, the electrolyte solution comprising metal cations that are reversibly electrodeposited onto the transparent electrode upon application of a cathodic potential; and (iii) a counter electrode. The electrolyte solution advantageously includes a small amount of an additive (e.g., an inhibitor, an accelerator, a leveler, or an organic or inorganic molecule that similarly serves to enhance the surface morphology of the metal cations during reversible metal electrodeposition onto the transparent electrode). Such enhancement of surface morphology during the reversible electrodeposition of the metal tinting layer over the electrode enhances one or more of color neutrality, transmittance characteristics of visible wavelengths (e.g.