Recent developments in the synthesis of transition metal oxides in the form of porous thin films have opened up opportunities in the construction of electrochromic devices with enhanced properties. In this paper, synthesis, characterization and electrochromic applications of porous WO₃ thin films with different nanocrystalline phases, such as hexagonal, monoclinic, and orthorhombic, are presented. Asymmetric electrochromic devices have been constructed based on these porous WO₃ thin films. XRD measurements of the intercalation/deintercalation of Li⁺ into/from the WO₃ layer of the device as a function of applied coloration/bleaching voltages show systematic changes in the lattice parameters associated with structural phase transitions in Li_xWO₃. Micro‐Raman studies show systematic crystalline phase changes in the spectra of WO₃ layers during Li⁺ ion intercalation and deintercalation, which agree with the XRD data. These devices exhibit interesting optical modulation (up to ~70%) due to intercalation/deintercalation of Li ions into/from the WO₃ layer of the devices as a function of applied coloration/bleaching voltages. The obtained optical modulation of the electrochromic devices indicates that, they are suitable for applications in electrochromic smart windows.

Porous orthorhombic tungsten oxide (o-WO₃) thin films, stabilized by nanocrystalline anatase TiO₂, are obtained by a sol–gel based two stage dip coating method and subsequent annealing at 600 °C. An Organically Modified Silicate (ORMOSIL) based templating strategy is adopted to achieve porosity. An asymmetric electrochromic device is constructed based on this porous o-WO₃ layer. The intercalation/deintercalation of lithium ions into/from the o-WO₃ layer of the device as a function of applied coloration/bleaching voltages have been studied. XRD measurements show systematic changes in the lattice parameters associated with structural phase transitions from o-WO₃ to tetragonal Li_xWO₃ (t-Li_xWO₃) and a tendency to form cubic Li_xWO₃ (c-Li_xWO₃). These phase transitions, induced by the Li ions, are reversible, and the specific phase obtained depends on the quantity of intercalated/deintercalated Li. Raman spectroscopy data show the formation of t-Li_xWO₃ for an applied potential of 1.0 V and the tendency of the system to transform to c-Li_xWO₃ for higher coloration potentials. Optical measurements show excellent contrasts between colored and bleached states. An alternate photochromic device was constructed by sensitizing the o-WO₃ layer with a ruthenium based dye. The nanocrystalline anatase TiO₂ in the o-WO₃ layer has led to an enhanced photochromic optical transmittance contrast of ∼51% in the near IR region. The combination of the photochromic and electrochromic properties of the synthesised o-WO₃ layer stabilized by nanocrystalline anatase TiO₂ opens up new vista for its application in energysaving smart windows.

Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, was recovered from the cooking water of shrimp processing facilities. The oil contains significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in triglyceride form, along with substantial long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). It also features natural isomeric forms of astaxanthin, a nutritional carotenoid, which gives the oil a brilliant red color. As part of our efforts in developing value added products from waste streams of the seafood processing industry, we present in this paper a comprehensive characterization of the triacylglycerols (TAGs) and astaxanthin esters that predominate in the shrimp oil by using HPLC-HRMS and MS/MS, as well as ¹³C-NMR. This approach, in combination with FAME analysis, offers direct characterization of fatty acid molecules in their intact forms, including the distribution of regioisomers in TAGs. The information is important for the standardization and quality control, as well as for differentiation of composition features of shrimp oil, which could be sold as an ingredient in health supplements and functional foods.