Flexible electrochromic devices have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their great potential in smart multifunction electrochromic energy storage devices and wearable intelligent electronics. Herein, we present an inorganic flexible Li-based electrochromic energy storage device (EESD) by combining a Prussian white@MnO2-composited electrode (PWM) and sputtering-made WO3 electrode. The synergistic effect of Prussian white and MnO2 plays a positive role both in energy storage and electrochromic property of the EESD. Its energy level can be quantified by the transmittance spectrum and chrominance difference, and its charging-discharging process can be monitored in real time by optical modulation at special wavelength. Specifically, the EESD can endure a 10,000 times cyclic voltammetry cycle without obvious degradation at wide voltage windows (-2 to 2.5 V) and realize a high coloration efficiency (77.6 cm2/C) with 35% optical modulation at 510 nm. In terms of energy storage performance, the EESD demonstrates excellent volumetric energy/power density (1.25 W cm-3/13.2 mWh cm-3) and remarkable stability with close to 98.3% capacitance retention and 99.4% coulombic efficiency after more than 4000 cycles. Its charging and discharging degree can be visualized in different spectral regions. There are 40% transmittance change for charging in the blue light region (450-480 nm) and 45% transmittance change for discharging in the red light region (620-750 nm). Based on its multicolor property, a quantitative indicator of charge state is achieved by the linear dependence of real-time chrominance change as stored or released charge. The ∼11 mC/cm2 stored charge capacity can cause an ∼11 increase in chrominance difference ΔE value, while ∼7 mC/cm2 discharge capacity can cause a ΔE value increase of ∼4. This work provides an efficient strategy to develop portable multicolor-integrated EESDs toward high performance and long stability.
Keywords: Prussian white; chrominance; flexible electrochromic energy storage device; in situ visualization; manganese dioxide.