Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 February 2011
A photochromic effect is observed in WO3-based electrochromic devices with an ion-conducting polymer as electrolyte. Upon exposure to sun light, the electrochromic cells become blue. This is due to a change of color of the WO3 electrode. The photoeffect on this layer is due to a simultaneous insertion reaction (reduction) of the WO3 material and a photooxidation of water contained in the polymer. It is reversible and therefore not destructive for the complete device. The study of the transmittance and rest potential as a function of the time of exposure to light shows that a steady state is reached in c.a. 10 hours. The addition of U.V.-cut filters changes the reached steady-state, indicating that the photochromic effect is dependent upon the structure of the WO3 material.