Solid-State Conversion Reaction to Enhance Charge Transfer in Electrochromic Materials

Interface engineering has attracted great interest and is essential for the fabrication of thin-film devices, such as smart windows. In this study, a solid-state conversion reaction for the development of an interlayer enriched with lithium peroxide (Li₂O₂) is presented for an electrochromic device. We demonstrate that efficient lithium insertion and electron transport can be achieved by the inclusion of a Li₂O₂-rich interlayer between an active electrochromic material and Li ion solid-state electrolyte layer. The presence of a Li₂O₂-rich interlayer enhances electrochromic efficiency, kinetics, optical contrast, and bleached-state transparency in a nickel oxide-based electrochromic thin film. This work opens up new opportunities to enhance the functionalities of thin-film devices by solid-state conversion reactions. A solid-state conversion reaction for the development of an interlayer enriched with lithium peroxide is presented for an electrochromic device. The electrochromic performance is significantly improved with this interlayer. This new strategy of enabling interface engineering is applicable to energy storage technologies including thin film batteries.