Electrochromic Smart Windows with High Near-Infrared Transparency Based on Passivated Silver Nanowire Electrodes

Silver nanowire (AgNW) networks have been widely touted as a promising material for transparent electrodes to replace indium tin oxide (ITO). Here we integrate polyurethane (PU) passivated AgNW electrodes into WO3/NiO electrochromic smart windows, placing particular focus on their NIR transparency. Experiments and modelling show that devices with NW electrodes permit more NIR radiation to transmit across the window compared to devices based on ITO. This is then shown to lead to a higher solar heat gain coefficient and lower U-factor, which is highly desirable in colder climates.