High contrast photoelectrochromic device with CdS quantum dot sensitized photoanode

Abstract

We here present a new generation of high-performance photoelectrochromic device, which contains a photoanode of CdS quantum dot sensitized TiO₂, an electrochromic electrode of WO₃, and aqueous electrolyte containing [Fe(CN)₆]^4−/3− and Li⁺ ions. It is found that the CdS quantum dot sensitized TiO₂ photoanode exhibits a tunable optical absorption edge through modulating the deposition cycles, which results in a controllable photovoltaic conversion. A maximum transparency of 81% and light modulation of about 70% in the visible light range is readily reached under optimized conditions, which is much improved from that of the conventional dye-based photoelectrochromic device. This study demonstrates the promising potential of the photoelectrochromic device in applications for energy-saving smart windows.