Robust, High-Contrast, Recyclable Zinc-Based Dynamic Windows via Synergistic Electrolyte and Interfacial Engineering

Fuente: arXiv
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Autori principali: Peng, Fei, Liang, Zhichao, Yang, Zhoutao, Chen, Yijia, Mai, Wenjie, Zhao, Chuanxi
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2026
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author Peng, Fei
Liang, Zhichao
Yang, Zhoutao
Chen, Yijia
Mai, Wenjie
Zhao, Chuanxi
author_facet Peng, Fei
Liang, Zhichao
Yang, Zhoutao
Chen, Yijia
Mai, Wenjie
Zhao, Chuanxi
contents Zinc-based electrochromic devices offer a sustainable route for dynamic optical management but are plagued by poor cycling stability due to irreversible zinc plating/stripping and side reactions. Herein, we report a robust, high-contrast, and recyclable zinc-based dynamic window enabled by a synergistic electrolyte and interfacial engineering strategy. Molecular dynamics simulations and electrochemical analyses reveal a dual-ion cooperative mechanism that governs the reversibility: anions with the strongest binding affinity guide uniform Zn deposition by stabilizing the inner solvation shell, while formate anions co-enriched at the interface facilitate smooth stripping via protonation during the oxidation process. This orchestrated interplay effectively eliminates "dead Zn" accumulation and dendrite growth. Consequently, the device demonstrates a record-high lifespan of 15,000 cycles with negligible degradation and maintains a large optical modulation of >50%, along with multiple optical states (transparent, gray, black, and mirror). Furthermore, it achieves a large reflectance modulation (>50%) stable for over 2,000 cycles. This work establishes the recyclable zinc-based dynamic window as a scalable, high-performance alternative to conventional electrochromic systems, advancing the feasibility of solution-processed energy-saving windows in sustainable buildings.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2602_04280
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Robust, High-Contrast, Recyclable Zinc-Based Dynamic Windows via Synergistic Electrolyte and Interfacial Engineering
Peng, Fei
Liang, Zhichao
Yang, Zhoutao
Chen, Yijia
Mai, Wenjie
Zhao, Chuanxi
Materials Science
Other Condensed Matter
Zinc-based electrochromic devices offer a sustainable route for dynamic optical management but are plagued by poor cycling stability due to irreversible zinc plating/stripping and side reactions. Herein, we report a robust, high-contrast, and recyclable zinc-based dynamic window enabled by a synergistic electrolyte and interfacial engineering strategy. Molecular dynamics simulations and electrochemical analyses reveal a dual-ion cooperative mechanism that governs the reversibility: anions with the strongest binding affinity guide uniform Zn deposition by stabilizing the inner solvation shell, while formate anions co-enriched at the interface facilitate smooth stripping via protonation during the oxidation process. This orchestrated interplay effectively eliminates "dead Zn" accumulation and dendrite growth. Consequently, the device demonstrates a record-high lifespan of 15,000 cycles with negligible degradation and maintains a large optical modulation of >50%, along with multiple optical states (transparent, gray, black, and mirror). Furthermore, it achieves a large reflectance modulation (>50%) stable for over 2,000 cycles. This work establishes the recyclable zinc-based dynamic window as a scalable, high-performance alternative to conventional electrochromic systems, advancing the feasibility of solution-processed energy-saving windows in sustainable buildings.
title Robust, High-Contrast, Recyclable Zinc-Based Dynamic Windows via Synergistic Electrolyte and Interfacial Engineering
topic Materials Science
Other Condensed Matter
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2602.04280