RESEARCH PAPER · Nature Communications · 2025

Robust fast-switching black electrochromic windows based on solution-processed n-doped transparent organic conductor

Won‐June Lee, Palak Mehra, Jonathan R. Thurston, Yanpei Tian, Xiaojie Liu, Sanket Samal, Liyan You, Inho Song, Xiulin Ruan, Michael F. Toney, Jianguo Mei

Read original paper ↗

See where this research leads.

A citation map has not been saved for this paper yet.

Open in your workspace →Open your workspace to prepare the citation network.

The paper record is available below. Preparing a network uses the existing account and source-allowance controls.

Papers that cite this work

No saved citation network is available; this does not mean the paper has no citations.

The evidence behind the map

Abstract

Electrochromic (EC) windows face trade-offs in cost, switching speed, color neutrality, and durability. We present solution-processed n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) (n-PBDF) as a robust organic conductor for black EC windows overcoming these limitations. Utilizing an engineered solvent ink and ultrasonic spray coating, we achieve uniform large-area n-PBDF deposition under ambient conditions without additives. n-PBDF EC electrodes show unprecedented weathering durability (maintaining performance under simultaneous exposure to light (including UV), heat, and humidity for >768 h), addressing a key barrier for organic EC materials. The electrodes exhibit deep black coloration with color neutrality, rapid switching (<2 s), and remarkable cycling stability (>20,000 cycles). Large-area EC devices demonstrate uniform switching performance, confirming scalable fabrication. Building energy simulations of the EC window reveal significant HVAC savings potential across diverse transitional climates. This work establishes n-PBDF as a scalable, high-performance alternative to conventional inorganic EC systems, advancing the viability of solution-processable smart windows for sustainable architecture. Electrochromic materials are widely explored in energy-saving smart windows, yet combining fast switching, neutral black coloration, and robust long-term durability remains challenging. Here the authors report a solution processed n-doped poly(benzodifurandione) affording an electrochromic black window that overcomes these limitations.

Coverage and freshness

Citation coverage has not been established for this paper.

A dated network is not a complete or live citation census. A citation does not prove endorsement or research quality. Counts depend on publication age and index coverage. Colors identify research areas; positions are for readability.

Source: Saved OpenAlex scholarly metadata. Visits to this public page do not acquire new provider data.

Report a correction