High‐Performance Aqueous Zn<sup>2+</sup>/Al<sup>3+</sup> Electrochromic Batteries based on Niobium Tungsten Oxides
Cong Wu, Hongsheng Shi, Lianqi Zhao, Xin Chen, Xinshui Zhang, Chang Zhang, Jiameng Yu, Yinjie Lv, Ran Wei, Tianyi Gao, Jin Xie, Yi Yu, Wei Liu
Abstract
Abstract Electrochromic energy storage devices (EESDs) are incorporating electrochromic and energy storage functions, which can visually display energy storage levels in real‐time to promote the next generation of transparent battery development. However, their performances are still limited for practical applications. Herein, a self‐powered EESD based on complex niobium tungsten oxide is designed using aqueous Zn 2+ and hybrid Zn 2+ /M n+ (M n+ = Al 3+ , Mg 2+ , and K + ) electrolytes. The results reveal that the use of Zn 2+ /Al 3+ hybrid electrolyte achieves superior electrochromic performances including a short self‐coloring time, high optical contrast, and excellent cyclic stability. Furthermore, it is also found that the self‐coloring process is accompanied by a high discharged capacity of niobium tungsten oxide, with high optical modulation in the Zn 2+ /Al 3+ hybrid electrolyte. The detailed mechanism on the performances of EESD using various electrolytes is systematically studied. This work provides a simple and effective strategy for an aqueous and self‐powered EESD with high optical contrast and good cycle stability.