Direct use of sunlight through the glass windows is an efficient way to reduce the energy consumption related to the heating, cooling, and lighting. Introduction of near-infrared modulating properties through colloidal doped metal oxide nanocrystals into the classical electrochromic materials accelerates the development of next-generation electrochromic devices. There has been a steady enhancement in the performance of electrochromic devices, necessitating a review of the recent progress in next-generation electrochromic devices employing doped metal oxide nanocrystals. This review provides an overview of the current developments in next-generation electrochromic smart windows utilizing colloidal doped metal oxide nanocrystals, with a focus on the key factors for achieving these advanced windows. Colloidal doped metal oxide nanocrystals are a crucial component in realizing and bringing to market the next generation of electrochromic windows, though further research and development are still required in this regard.

According to the recent global warming, it is necessary to use energy efficiently together with eco-friendly energy. The development of alternative technologies is requisite for managing the current energy and climate crises. In this regard, “smart windows,” which can control solar radiation, can be used to mitigate energy demands. Electrochromic devices (ECDs) effectively control the amount of solar energy reaching commercial and other living areas and maintain climate conditions via color modulation in response to small external stimuli, such as temperature and light irradiation. However, the performance and the stability of ECDs depend on the state of the electrolyte and sealing of the device. To resolve the aforementioned issues, an ECD was manufactured by using a poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based gel polymer electrolyte (GPE), and a laminating method was used to adequately seal the ECD. The concentrations of PMMA, acetonitrile (ACN), and ferrocene (Fc) were controlled to optimize the composition of the GPE to achieve an enhanced electrochromic performance. The fabricated GPE-based ECD afforded high optical contrast (~81.92%), with high electrochromic stability up to 10,000 cycles. Moreover, the lamination method employing the GPE could be used to fabricate large-area ECDs.

An all-solid-state electrochromic film was fabricated by laminating tungsten oxide (WO₃) and nickel oxide (NiO) thin films deposited by a reactive DC magnetron sputtering on flexible ITO films. The influence of oxygen partial pressure on the crystal structure, microstructure, optical properties, and electrochromic properties of WO₃ and NiO thin films were investigated. WO₃ and NiO films showed the best electrochromic properties under the flow of Ar:O₂=80:20 and Ar:O₂=90:10, respectively. The EC film fabricated with an optimized WO₃ and NiO films showed a high coloration efficiency, a fast response time, and a stable optical modulation. It is expected that flexible EC window films will pave the way for the next-generation energy-saving windows.

Among several types of energy saving smart window technologies, the leader, the dynamic EC (electrochromic) window one needs integrated PV (photovoltaics), to minimize expensive electrical wiring as well as to obviate the need for external energy. Self-powered smart windows were reviewed according to PV types used. DSSCs (dye sensitized solar cells) were found to be compatible with EC cells, to have several categories of next generation smart windows such as PECCs (photoelectrochromic cells), PVCCs (photovoltachromic cells), EC polymer PECCs. In addition silicon solar cells and third generation solar cells were investigated. They are summarized in a table showing their advantages and disadvantages respectively for a fast comparison. The strategy to expedite the commercialization of these next generation smart windows includes developing retrofit smart window coverings for use on flexible polymer substrates adhered to the inside surface of a window and easily replaced after use for upto 10 years.