Reflecting on a world, controlling the brightness and heat entering our homes and offices is as simple as pressing a button. It’s the promise of dynamic windows, an exciting area where technology fits everyday life. Dynamic windows based on reversible metal electrodeposition become a promising solution due to their color neutrality, cost-effectiveness and dynamic range. These windows regulate light transmission by depositing metal ions onto transparent surfaces. When precisely controlled, this process can transform windows from transparent to opaque, providing privacy and energy efficiency in a seamless packaging.
The University of Colorado Boulder team, led by Professor Michael McGehee, has now taken the technology one step forward. In their study published in the physical sciences of cell reporting, they explored pulsed electrodeposition, an approach marked a significant deviation from conventional direct current (DC) electrodeposition. Traditional methods, while effective, often result in imbalance in the film surface, hindering the ability of windows to switch quickly between states.
“Pulse allows us to make smoother movies. This is crucial because it not only increases the speed at which windows transition to privacy, but also greatly increases the lifespan of these windows.”
The study shows that while initially slower when shading than DC plating, its pulses can reach a near-complete opaque state faster. This improvement is attributed to reduced growth of dendrites, a common problem in metal electrodeposition, resulting in a smoother and more uniform membrane.
Another notable advancement is the durability of these dynamic windows. The study’s use of pulse voltage cycle methods shows that windows always maintain their optical quality even after thousands of use cycles, which is a great improvement over previous iterations. Pulse technology greatly reduces dendrites on metal mesh counter electrodes, a key aspect of extending window life.
“Our findings represent an important step in dynamic window technology,” Professor McGehee noted. “We not only achieve a faster transition between shading and clearing, but we also ensure that these windows last longer, making them more feasible and cost-effective for a wide range of applications.”
In summary, pulse electrodeposition methods mark a major milestone in the field of dynamic window technology. By ensuring faster transitions, smoother cinematic form and extended durability, this approach promises to improve the energy efficiency of the building while providing enhanced user experience and aesthetic appeal.
Journal Reference:
Andrew L. Yeang, Ziliang Li et al., “Pulse Electrodeposition based on dynamic windows of reversible metal electrodeposition,” Cell Refter Refter Refter Byshall Comelly Reports Threndy Science, November 2023. DOI: DOI:
