electrochromic

Electrically variable opacity

Electrochromic describes materials that change color or opacity when an electric current is applied.

The technology appears in smart windows that tint on demand, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, and displays: The electrochromic glass darkened to block the afternoon sun.

The change is reversible—remove the current and the material returns to its original state.

optics

tinting

Applying light color

absorption · reflectivity · wavelength · dimming · shading · clarity · darkening · bleaching · modulation

mechanism

electrodes

Electrical contact points

redox · oxidation · reduction · reversibility · cycling · electrodeposition · intercalation

materials

nanoparticles

Ultrafine material fragments

solid-state

building

daylighting

Using sunshine indoors

applications

skylights

Overhead glass openings

  • sunroofsRetractable automotive ceiling panels
  • facadesMisleading external appearances
  • e-paperReflective digital display medium

eyewear · goggles · visors · partitions · antiglare

Opposites
color-change mechanism

electrochromicpermanent dye

Colorant meant to last

photochromic · thermochromic

responsiveness to stimuli

electrochromicpassive

Not actively participating

static · non-responsive · inert · fixed · unchanging

Family

electro, chrome, electric, electrical, electricity, electron, electronic, electronics, electrode

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G