More than 50% of solar energy comes from the infrared (IR) region (as radiant heat) of the solar spectrum. Electrochromic (EC) materials, which can dynamically modulate the transmittance of IR radiation, can be effectively applied in smart windows for thermal management in buildings. In this work, a core–shell TiO₂–WO₃ inverse opal (IO) structure was fabricated through electrodeposition of WO₃ onto TiO₂ IO templates. The TiO₂ IO templates were synthesized by introducing TiO₂ into the voids of a polystyrene (PS) colloidal crystal template, followed by calcination to remove the PS microspheres. It was found that the TiO₂–WO₃ IO core–shell structure can modulate NIR transmittance at wavelengths from 700 to 1600 nm in the NIR range when potential is applied in a LiClO₄/PC electrolyte. When -0.3 V is applied, up to 60% of NIR radiation in this range can be blocked. The NIR transmittance can be modulated by tuning the applied potential. This study focuses on comparing the novel TiO₂–WO₃ IO structure with electrodeposited WO₃ thin film to fully elucidate the effect of the IO morphology and the TiO₂–WO₃ hybrid system on the optical properties. Results show that NIR blockage can be sustained up to 90% after 1200 reversible cycles for the TiO₂–WO₃ IO structure. The greater surface area of the IO structure increases the number of active sites available for the redox reactions by providing a larger contact area with the electrolyte. The more electroactive area with improved charge transfer enhances the overall NIR transmittance contrast as compared to bulk WO₃ thin film. Furthermore, the addition of WO₃ to TiO₂ to form a composite has been shown to enhance cycling performance and device lifespan.

Dr Alfred Tok Iing Yoong (PK; PhD, NTU; C.Eng, MIMMM; MBA, NTU) has been a faculty member in the School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) since 2003. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology, Australia, and graduated with First Class Honours in 1995. He was also conferred the Dean’s Award for Excellence for being the top graduate. After graduation, he worked as a mechanical engineer at ST Aerospace Engineering. In 1997, he was awarded 2 scholarships at Nanyang Technological University to pursue his PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He obtained his MBA (Dean’s List) in 2009 from the Nanyang Business School. In the same year, he was appointed Division Head of Materials Technology in MSE (till 2012). Since 2011, he has been the Deputy Director of the Institute for Sports Research in NTU. His research areas focus on the processing and applications of inorganic materials in the areas of biosensors and renewable / sustainable energy. He also consults extensively for companies from various industries.