Sustainable dual-response optical modulation: WO<sub>3</sub>-based transparent cellulose composite membrane for photo- and electro-responsive chromatic devices

Xiuling Yang; Jingjiang Yang; Gaigai Duan; Xiaoshuai Han; Hui Fu; Yong Huang; Chunmei Zhang; Shuijian He; Shaohua Jiang

doi:10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100229

Volume 11 Issue 3

Jun. 2026

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Xiuling Yang, Jingjiang Yang, Gaigai Duan, Xiaoshuai Han, Hui Fu, Yong Huang, Chunmei Zhang, Shuijian He, Shaohua Jiang. Sustainable dual-response optical modulation: WO3-based transparent cellulose composite membrane for photo- and electro-responsive chromatic devices[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(3): 100229. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100229

Citation:

Xiuling Yang, Jingjiang Yang, Gaigai Duan, Xiaoshuai Han, Hui Fu, Yong Huang, Chunmei Zhang, Shuijian He, Shaohua Jiang. Sustainable dual-response optical modulation: WO₃-based transparent cellulose composite membrane for photo- and electro-responsive chromatic devices[J]. Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, 2026, 11(3): 100229. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100229

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Sustainable dual-response optical modulation: WO₃-based transparent cellulose composite membrane for photo- and electro-responsive chromatic devices

doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2026.100229

a. Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China;
b. Institute of Micro/Nano Materials and Devices, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo 315211, China;
c. Institute of Materials Science and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China

Funds:

This work is financially supported by Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (No. BK20241898), Ningbo Natural Science Foundation (No. 2024J222), Scientific Research Project Funded by Ningbo University of Technology (No. 2022KQ11 and No. 2022TS26).

Received Date: 2025-10-27
Accepted Date: 2025-12-19
Rev Recd Date: 2025-12-15

Available Online: 2026-07-04

Publish Date: 2026-06-01

Abstract

Abstract

Photo- and electro-chromic devices can facilitate the realization of a wide set of future applications, ranging from transparent displays, dynamic windows, optical switches, and variable optical attenuators. Tungsten oxide (WO₃) has always been the most studied material in the field of photo- and electro-chromic, although it has some bottlenecks. Here, we report a flexible transparent wood membrane for photo- and electro-chromic applications. The photochromic membrane (PCM) shows excellent photochromic properties, including high optical modulation (ΔT_{1030 nm} = 68.8%), ultraviolet (UV) shielding (>92%) and dynamic light regulation. Meanwhile, the electrochromic membrane (ECM, active area: 1 cm × 2.5 cm) and assembled complementary devices (active area: 3.4 cm × 3.4 cm) produce high optical modulation (ΔT_{1030 nm} = 78.2%) at 1030 nm, and the transmittance in colored state of below 10%. Noteworthy, the ECM (active area: 3.4 cm × 3.4 cm) comprised of WO₃/Ag nanowires (NWs)/flexible wood-derived transparent cellulose membranes, reveals enhanced optical modulation (60.7%) and rapid response time (coloring/bleaching time: 7.6 s/10.8 s). Moreover, the electrode also presents good cycling stability (96.2% after 120 cycles). The design of these chromic devices introduces an innovative strategy, which is expected to open up a new way for the development of photo- and electro-chromic devices. Crucially, the inherent flexibility and scalability of the transparent wooden substrate enable it to maintain relatively stable performance across different device dimensions, thereby resolving practical challenges in real-world applications.
- Sustainable material,
- Cellulose,
- Photo- and electro-chromic,
- Dual-response optical modulation,
- Devices

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References(39)

References

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