Overview of Electrochromic Materials and Devices: Scope and Development Prospects

Today, the global energy consumption associated with heating, air conditioning (cooling) and lighting of buildings (which is about 40 %) can be significantly reduced through the use of chromogenic materials or the so-called “Smart Window” technology. Approximately 20–25 % of thermal energy can be saved by reducing heat loss through the windows, and 25–30 % of the electrical energy spent on lighting will be saved by using Smart Window technology instead of conventional windows, which are less energy-efficient in buildings. The article provides an overview of electrochromic materials and the practice of their use in various optical devices, as well as methods for their preparation. The prospects of using various electrochromic materials as coatings for window glasses, mirrors, and large-area displays are considered. A modern analysis of electrochromic devices based on nanostructured materials used in various applications is presented. The latest achievements and developments in the field of electrochromic materials are discussed. The paper discusses the findings of studies and the possibilities of their use for protection from light radiation, in particular, their use as light filters and light modulators for optoelectronic devices are ed.