Integrated low-emittance–electrochromic devices incorporating ZnS/Ag/ZnS coatings as transparent conductors

We have prepared and tested integrated low-emittance–electrochromic devices using ZnS/Ag/ZnS coatings as transparent electrodes and WO3 films as electrochromic layers. These devices exhibit adequate coloration and can withstand more than 1000 bleaching-coloration cycles, provided that the metal layer is protected from the liquid electrolyte by a combination of thick dielectric films (ZnS/WO3). We have also predicted the optimum configuration of the WO3/ZnS/Ag/ZnS/Glass stack that maximizes transmission in the visible. Integration of low emittance and electrochromic films into one device could improve the performance and reduce the cost of electrochromic windows.