1. Reversible Electrochemical Mirror (REM) Systems
A Promising new Technology for Reducing Energy Consumption
Andrew Licini, under the guidance of Zachary Detweiler, Matt Vallon and Dr. Steven Bernasek

2. The Bernasek Research Group (Department of Chemistry)
Specialization: Surface Chemistry and Structure, Heterogeneous Reactions

3. Introduction to Reversible Electrochemical Mirrors (REMs) and Ionic Liquids
Windows are important sources of natural light but also greatly compromise the integrity of heating and cooling systems.
Reversible electrochemical mirrors (REMs) offer a promising alternative to these systems by reversibly depositing metal onto clear substrates to reflect radiant thermal energy
Most REM systems currently under research use high-boiling organic solvents1 that preclude space applications and present possible environmental hazards.
The Bernasek Group aims to address this problem by replacing such conventional electrolytes with ionic liquids: organic salts that are liquid at room temperature and yet possess exceedingly low vapor pressures.
1.) Source: Araki, S., Nakamura, K., Kobayashi, K. et. al. Electrochemical Optical-Modulation Device with Reversible Transformation between Transparent, Mirror, and Black. Advanced Optical Materials 24 (2012), OP122-OP126.

4. Layout of a Reversible Electrochemical Mirror (REM)
Indium Tin Oxide (ITO)-Coated Glass
Apply Potential + - + -
Light
Light M M M M M M M M M+ M+ M+ M+
Apply Potential M+ M+ - +

5. Previous Results: Optical Reflectivity
Originally planned to study the optical reflectivity of our REM system, but study was halted when preliminary study created poor results.
Maximum reflectivity only 50% vs. industrial-grade mirror.
Black residue on surface, can’t be removed with potential.

6. Electrochemical Study: Silver Deposition Kinetics
Stripping current (positive potential) drops rapidly—less silver is removed each time, resulting in an accumulation on the surface.
Cycle #
CONCLUSION:
The first time the silver deposits, it creates a seed layer of silver, which more silver deposits onto preferentially over the ITO surface. Surface modification with stable metal atoms like platinum might allow surface to apply more uniformly and remove more reversibly.
Overpotential—silver has to overcome barrier to deposit

7. SEM Imaging Study: Silver Deposition Kinetics
To right: a secondary electron microscope (SEM) image of silver-deposited ITO slide
Dendritic growth rather than smooth surface.
Confirmation of voltammetry results.
Good news: surface can be altered to alter deposition pattern.

8. Improvement of Ionic Liquid Optical Purity
BMIM TFSI prepared without
dichloromethane (DCM) treatments
BMIM TFSI prepared with DCM wash
“Ultra-Pure”-grade BMIM TFSI from manufacturer used as “blank”

9. Quantitative Purity Analysis: UV/Vis Spectroscopy
Earlier ionic liquid without DCM wash has high absorbance in the UV/blue range, making it appear yellow.
Ionic liquid prepared with new DCM wash method has substantially reduced absorbance.

10. Future Research
Surface modification of ITO for more even deposition and stripping
Coupled reaction with copper ions to aid in reversibility of stripping.
Identification of yellow contaminant removed with dichloromethane with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
Replication with IR-transparent substrates, like aluminum oxide.

11. The Princeton Summer Research Experience!

12. Special Thanks Many thanks are required for:
Dr. Steven Bernasek, (the newly) Dr. (!!!) Zachary Detweiler, and Matthew Vallon for their advice, supervision, and support throughout my research (as well as the entire Bernasek and Bocarsly groups in general).
Our collaborators on the Reversible Electrochemical Mirror project at Edwards Air Force Base and Kirkenland, who provided excellent input, advice and suggestions.
The United States Air Force, for funding the project at large, and, most importantly…
The Princeton Environmental Institute, for giving me the funds and opportunity to participate in this amazing research experience!