Photonic curing as a scalable route to solution-processed tungsten oxide films for electrochromic devices

This study explores the potential of photonic curing as a technique to enhance the performance of tungsten oxide (WO_x) thin films in electrochromic (EC) devices for the first time. Traditional thermal treatments have limitations in terms of production time, cost, and substrate compatibility. Photonic curing, which employs a xenon flash lamp to deliver high-intensity, short-duration pulses of light, offers a rapid and efficient alternative. Our results demonstrate that photonic curing can successfully transform tungsten oxide thin films from an amorphous to a crystalline state, improving their structural stability and coloration efficiency. Electrochemical measurements reveal that photonically cured films exhibit superior stability and performance over multiple cycles compared to untreated films. This work suggests that photonic curing could significantly advance the development of high-performance EC materials, providing a scalable and cost-effective method for improving the durability and efficiency of smart window technologies.