Abstract: The present invention discloses a color-modifying method, which comprises the provision of a metal oxide thin film (14) based on Ni and/or Cr. The method is characterized in that, when coloring the metal oxide film (14), exposing the metal oxide thin film to ozone, and when bleaching the metal oxide film, exposing the metal oxide film to UV radiation (18). A lamination process or a deposition of another thin film may follow the exposure. Preferably, exposing the metal oxide thin film (14) to ultraviolet radiation (18) in an oxygen-containing atmosphere (20) provides the ozone exposure and exposing the metal oxide thin film to ultraviolet radiation (18) in an oxygen-free atmosphere (20) provides the ultraviolet exposure.

Abstract: An electrochromic device (10) for windows, displays, rear view mirrors, eye wear and other applications includes three layers (2), (4) and (5) of electrochromic materials and an electrolyte, with the transmittance of the layers (2) and (5) being variable by an applied electrical field, and protective layer (4) being transparent and not contributing to the coloration/bleaching of device. The protective layer (4) is made of the same electrochromic material as the electrochromic layer on the opposing side of the electrolyte.