Optical characterization of WO3-VOxthin films for application in electrochromic devices—‘smart windows’

WO3-VOx thin films were deposited by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD). A typical electrochromic device is a sandwichlike structure with two conductive glasses and an electrolyte layer. An electrochromic transition metal oxide film is deposited over one of the glass substrates thus forming the working electrode. The counter electrodes in the devices are bare conductive glasses, and the polymeric electrolyte is used to laminate the two glass substrates and to supply the devices with Li ions. The working electrode material is investigated related to its initial transmittance, vibrational properties, and structure.