Effect of cation types on electrochromic properties of titanium dioxide nanocrystals

Electrochromic (EC) devices have been regarded as promising candidates for energy-saving smart windows, next-generation displays, and wearable electronics. Monovalent ions such as H+ and Li+ based electrolytes are the benchmark insertion ions for EC devices but have serious limitations such as high cost and instability coupled with being difficult to handle. Seeking multivalent electrolytes is an effective alternative to prepare high-performance EC devices; unfortunately, the related reports are currently limited to tungsten oxide EC materials. Researchers in China unravel the effect of different valence cations on the EC properties of titanium dioxide nanocrystals (NC), which may provide some new directions for the development of excellent EC devices with long-term stability and durability.