electrochromic device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrochromic device (1), wherein the electrochromic device (1) comprises: a first layer (10) of an electrochromic material; a second transparent layer (11) of an electrochromic material positioned above the first layer (10); an electrolyte layer (12) disposed between the first layer (10) and the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material; and at least one first current-conducting layer (13a) in contact with the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material, wherein the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material forms an electrode of the electrochromic device (1), and the first current-conducting layer (13a) forms a current collector of the device (1) by electrically contacting only the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electrochromic devices. Background Technology

[0002] An electrochromic device, similar to an optical battery, is an electric device capable of adjusting optical properties when an electric field is applied, thereby enabling the implementation of a device that can easily adjust color changes or light transmission capabilities. Accordingly, electrochromic devices can be used in applications such as adjusting desired light transmittance for aesthetic purposes, light control, or energy efficiency, for example, electrochromic windows for residential glazing to adjust the amount of sunlight entering the interior based particularly on the external environment and user needs, or in automotive windshield glazing and / or side windows or roof glazing to adjust transparency levels and prevent possible glare by controlling the light rays delivered to the driver. Electrochromic devices can also be used in applications such as electrochromic mirrors, visual display devices, or data display screens.

[0003] However, currently used electrochromic devices generally tend to have somewhat slow switching speeds; that is, the color change is not as fast or optimized as expected for applications of this type of product.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention falls within this context and aims to resolve all the aforementioned drawbacks. Accordingly, the objective of the present invention is to provide an electrochromic device that improves the speed of color change.

[0005] The object of the present invention is an electrochromic device, wherein the electrochromic device comprises: a first layer of an electrochromic material; a second transparent layer of an electrochromic material positioned on the first layer; and an electrolyte layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer of the electrochromic material. The electrochromic device is notable in that it comprises at least one first current-conducting layer in contact with the second layer of the electrochromic material, wherein the second layer of the electrochromic material forms an electrode of the electrochromic device, and the first current-conducting layer forms a current collector of the device by electrically contacting only the second layer of the electrochromic material.

[0006] In the context of the present invention, the term “layer” refers to a generally uniform spread-out structure of a material having a thickness that is small relative to its surface area. In a non-limiting embodiment, it can be assumed that each layer may be formed during the same process step of the method for manufacturing the device according to the present invention, or that multiple layers formed from the same material or a combination of the same materials may be formed simultaneously during the same process step of the method for manufacturing the device according to the present invention.

[0007] In the context of the present invention, the term “electrochromic material” means a material or combination of materials capable of reversibly changing color and / or transparency when a charge is applied to said material or combination of materials. Preferably, when a voltage is applied between the electrodes of the device, a change in color and / or transparency occurs so that ions may move through the electrolyte layer and react with the electrochromic material according to a redox reaction.

[0008] A first layer of the electrochromic material may be configured to conduct electric current. The first layer of the electrochromic material may include an electrode. A second layer of the electrochromic material is configured to include a conductive charge. The second layer may include an electrode. The first layer of the electrochromic material may include a material different from the material of the second layer of the electrochromic material. The second layer of the electrochromic material is transparent.

[0009] A second layer of the electrochromic material can improve the rate of change of color and / or transparency. This layer may be a transparent electrode or a color-changing material.

[0010] Therefore, this electrochromic device can change color or transparency under the influence of a voltage applied between the electrodes. Such a change in color or transparency can be achieved through an electrochemical reaction occurring within the electrochromic material. This is an electrochromic material in which color or transparency can be reversibly changed in response to electrical stimulation.

[0011] The current-conducting layer can allow a voltage to be applied between the electrodes of the device. When an electric field is generated across the electrolyte, a reversible or irreversible change in color or transparency may occur, resulting in an electrochromic effect.

[0012] In this system, the electrolyte can improve the performance of the electrochromic device by enabling the movement of ions. The electrolyte may include a material capable of conducting electricity and generating ions that can move under the action of an electric field.

[0013] A current collector can be a component of an electrochromic device used to collect electric current from various power sources or elements and transmit it to a specific destination. The current collector does not directly accept any electric charge of the same kind as the electrolyte layer. The current collector layer can be a carbon layer. The carbon layer can be opaque. The carbon layer can be used to conduct electric current.

[0014] In the context of the electrochromic device of the present invention, the term 'carbon' does not refer to a chemical element, but refers to an opaque layer, and means that its conductivity is about 10 times higher than the conductivity of the electrochromic layer.

[0015] The first conductive layer may include at least one carbon element, for example, a carbon fiber.

[0016] The first conductive layer can substantially consist of at least one carbon element, for example, a carbon fiber.

[0017] The presence of carbon elements in the first current-conducting layer can provide excellent electrical conductivity, which improves the electron transport efficiency within the electrochromic device.

[0018] The second electrochromic layer may include a transparent polymer.

[0019] The presence of a transparent polymer allows for excellent light transmittance even when the device is decolorized, thereby enabling better visualization of changes in color state.

[0020] The second electrochromic layer may be composed of a transparent or translucent polymer.

[0021] Advantageously, the first current-conducting layer and the second layer of the electrochromic material are separated.

[0022] Advantageously, the electrolyte layer is transparent.

[0023] Using a transparent electrolyte layer can increase light transmittance through the electrochromic device, which can help the device maintain better transparency even when decolorized. Using the transparency of the electrolyte layer can also maximize the contrast between the colored and decolorized states of the device.

[0024] Advantageously, the second layer of the electrochromic material is in full contact with the electrolyte layer.

[0025] Advantageously, the electrochromic device includes a second current-conducting layer in contact with a first layer of an electrochromic material, said first layer of the electrochromic material forms an electrode of the electrochromic device.

[0026] The second current-conducting layer does not physically contact the first current-conducting layer.

[0027] In one embodiment, the second current-conducting layer may include carbon.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the first current-conducting layer and / or the second current-conducting layer may comprise a metal.

[0029] Each of the first and second layers of the electrochromic material may include an electrode. One of the layers of the electrochromic material may include a negative electrode, and the other of the layers of the electrochromic material may include an anode counter electrode.

[0030] Advantageously, the electrochromic device includes a blocking layer disposed between a first electrochromic layer and a second electrochromic layer to block ions from moving into an electrolyte layer, and the blocking layer limits at least one passage through which ions in the electrolyte layer can freely flow.

[0031] The blocking layer may include a dielectric material. The blocking layer may include an outer contour that can define a pattern. The blocking layer may include an inner contour bounded by at least one channel. The inner contour can define a pattern. Accordingly, by alternately arranging a channel that allows free circulation of ions and a portion of the blocking layer that prevents the circulation of said ions, a pattern can be generated using an electrochromic device.

[0032] Therefore, thanks to this blocking layer, a pattern can be displayed; this pattern is not visible when the electrochromic device is in a passive state, but becomes visible when the electrochromic device is activated by a potential difference.

[0033] Advantageously, the first and second electrochromic layers cover the entire passage formed by the blocking layer.

[0034] Through this complete coverage, uniform coloring across the entire effective surface of the device is ensured, thereby preventing uncolored or irregular areas that could affect optical performance. This complete coverage enables optimal interaction between the electrochromic layer and the blocking layer, which can more efficiently facilitate the transfer of ions and electrons across the common surface.

[0035] Advantageously, the second electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer of the electrochromic device do not contain inorganic materials.

[0036] In one embodiment, the blocking layer may not contain inorganic material.

[0037] Advantageously, the first and / or second electrochromic layer comprises an electrically conductive material.

[0038] In one embodiment, the electrically conductive material may include PEDOT:PSS.

[0039] Advantageously, the electrolyte layer may include a polymer suitable for UV crosslinking.

[0040] In one embodiment, the electrolyte layer comprises at least one ionic liquid. In another embodiment, the electrolyte layer may not contain an ionic liquid.

[0041] In one embodiment, the electrolyte layer may contain a dissolved salt.

[0042] Advantageously, the electrochromic device includes at least a first encapsulation layer disposed to cover the device.

[0043] In one embodiment comprising a support layer including a plastic substrate, the electrochromic device may include only the first encapsulation layer. The substrate may be used to support the electrochromic device.

[0044] In one embodiment comprising a support layer including a substrate not containing plastic, the electrochromic device may include a first encapsulation layer and a second encapsulation layer mounted between the support layer and the first layer of the electrochromic material.

[0045] The object of the present invention is also a method for manufacturing an electrochromic device as described above. This method is notable in that it comprises the following steps: a step of depositing an electrochromic material to form a first electrochromic layer; a step of depositing an electrolyte material on the first electrochromic layer to form an electrolyte layer; a step of depositing an electrochromic material on the electrolyte layer to form a second electrochromic layer; a step of depositing a current-conducting material only on a portion of the second electrochromic layer to form a first current-conducting layer; and a step of depositing a current-conducting material on a portion of the first electrochromic layer to form a second current-conducting layer.

[0046] In a method for manufacturing an electrochromic device, 'deposition' means depositing a layer, for example, by printing.

[0047] The second encapsulation layer may be configured to cover at least a portion of the substrate. In another embodiment, the second layer may completely cover the substrate.

[0048] The electrochromic material forming the first layer of the electrochromic material may be deposited only on a part of the second encapsulation layer.

[0049] The electrolyte material can be positioned to cover the blocking layer wholly or partially, and can be positioned to overlap a part of the electrochromic layer at the opening of the blocking layer.

[0050] The second electrochromic layer can be positioned to cover the electrolyte layer.

[0051] The current-conducting material of the first current-conducting layer disposed only on a portion of the second electrochromic layer may also cover a portion of the substrate. In one embodiment comprising a second encapsulation layer, the current-conducting material of the first current-conducting layer may cover a portion of the second encapsulation layer.

[0052] The second current-conducting layer may overlap a portion of the second electrochromic layer and a portion of the substrate. In an additional embodiment comprising a second encapsulation layer, the second current-conducting layer may cover a portion of the second encapsulation layer.

[0053] In one embodiment, the electrochromic device may include a support layer that may include a substrate. In one embodiment, the substrate may be flexible. In one embodiment, the substrate may include paper.

[0054] Advantageously, the electrochromic device includes a substantially flexible support layer in which a first layer of electrochromic material is positioned.

[0055] The support layer may be a dielectric material. In another embodiment, the support layer may be paper.

[0056] Advantageously, the manufacturing method comprises the following steps: depositing an encapsulation material to form a second encapsulation layer; depositing a dielectric material to form a blocking layer; and depositing an encapsulation material to form a first encapsulation layer.

[0057] The dielectric material forming the blocking layer may be positioned to overlap a part of the first electrochromic layer and a part of the second encapsulation layer.

[0058] The first encapsulation layer may be configured to cover at least a portion of the electrochromic device. In another embodiment, the first encapsulation layer may be configured to completely cover the electrochromic device.

[0059] Advantageously, in the manufacturing method, the first current-conducting layer and the second current-conducting layer are deposited simultaneously.

[0060] The first current-conducting layer and the second current-conducting layer are separated from each other, that is, they do not come into contact with each other but are printed simultaneously.

[0061] Accordingly, a user facing the electrochromic device observes from the surface toward the substrate supporting the electrochromic device. The layer closest to the user is the first encapsulation layer (15), followed by the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material, and then an electrolyte (12) that completely covers the blocking layer (14) mounted on the first layer (10) of the electrochromic material. This assembly can cover the second encapsulation layer (16) mounted on the substrate (17). In this assembly, the first current-conducting layer, also called a current collector, is in contact with the first layer of the electrochromic material, and the second current-conducting layer is in contact with the second layer of the electrochromic material.

[0062] Since the second layer of the electrochromic material is transparent, the user can observe the electrolyte layer located underneath. Therefore, the color change of the electrolyte can be observed. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0063] Additional advantages and features of the present invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, which are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way, and each drawing is as follows. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device illustrating layers extending transversely with respect to the line of sight of a display. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used for components of the same structure or function appearing in different drawings. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0064] A schematic cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device (1) according to one embodiment is shown in FIG. 1.

[0065] The electrochromic device (1) described in FIG. 1 is manufactured using a flexible substrate (17). The substrate (17) includes paper. The substrate (17) supports the electrochromic device (1).

[0066] The encapsulation material is deposited on the substrate (17) to form a second encapsulation layer (16). The encapsulation material is deposited by printing.

[0067] The electrochromic material is deposited on the second encapsulation layer (16) to form the first electrochromic layer (10). The electrochromic material is deposited by printing. The first layer (10) of the electrochromic material covers only a portion of the second encapsulation layer (16). The first electrochromic layer (10) comprises an electrically conductive material and is configured to conduct current. The first electrochromic layer (10) comprises PEDOT:PSS.

[0068] A dielectric material is deposited to form a blocking layer (14). The dielectric material is deposited by printing. The blocking layer covers a portion of the first electrochromic layer (10) and a portion of the second encapsulation layer (16). The blocking layer is positioned between the first electrochromic layer (10) and the second electrochromic layer (11). The blocking layer (14) can prevent ions from moving to the electrolyte layer (12). The blocking layer (14) defines at least one passage through which ions in the electrolyte layer (12) can flow freely. The blocking layer (14) includes an outer contour that defines the pattern. The blocking layer (14) includes an inner contour that is bounded by at least one passage. The inner contour defines the pattern. Thus, by alternately arranging a passage that allows free circulation of ions and a portion of the blocking layer (14) that prevents the circulation of said ions, a pattern can be generated using the electrochromic device (1). Accordingly, thanks to the blocking layer (14), a pattern can be displayed, which is not visible when the electrochromic device (1) is in a passive state, but becomes visible when the electrochromic device (1) is in an active state. The blocking layer (14) does not contain inorganic material.

[0069] The electrolyte material is deposited to form an electrolyte layer (12). The electrolyte material is deposited by printing. The electrolyte layer (12) is positioned to cover the blocking layer (14) and is positioned to overlap a portion of the first electrochromic layer (10) at the opening of the blocking layer (14). The electrolyte material comprises a substance capable of conducting electricity and generating ions that can move under the action of an electric current. The electrolyte layer (12) comprises a polymer suitable for UV crosslinking.

[0070] The electrochromic material is deposited to form a second layer (11) of the electrochromic material. The electrochromic material is deposited by printing. The second layer (11) of the electrochromic material is configured to contain a conductive charge. The second electrochromic layer (11) includes an electrode. The second electrochromic layer (11) includes a transparent electrode. The second electrochromic layer (11) includes an electrically conductive material and is configured to conduct an electric current. The second electrochromic layer (11) includes a conductive polymer.

[0071] A current-conducting material is deposited to form a first current-conducting layer (13a). The first current-conducting layer (13a) is positioned to cover only a portion of the second electrochromic layer (11). The first current-conducting layer (13a) is positioned to cover a portion of the second encapsulation layer (16). The first current-conducting layer (13a) contains carbon.

[0072] A current-conducting material is deposited to form a second current-conducting layer (13b). The second current-conducting layer (13b) is positioned to cover a portion of the first layer (10) of the electrochromic material, said portion not covered by the blocking layer (14) and the electrolyte layer (12). The second current-conducting layer (13b) covers a portion of the second encapsulation layer (16). The second current-conducting layer (13b) does not physically contact the first current-conducting layer (13a). The second current-conducting layer (13b) contains carbon.

[0073] The current-conducting material forming the first current-conducting layer (13a) and the current-conducting material forming the second current-conducting layer (13b) are simultaneously deposited by printing. Since the first current-conducting layer (13a) and the second current-conducting layer (13b) are physically separated from each other, they do not come into contact with each other, but are simultaneously printed in the method of manufacturing the electrochromic device (1).

[0074] An encapsulation material is deposited to form a first encapsulation layer (15). The first encapsulation layer (15) is positioned to cover at least a portion of the electrochromic device (1).

[0075] The foregoing description clearly explains how the present invention achieves its purpose, namely, to provide an electrochromic device with an improved color change speed. To this end, the present invention provides an electrochromic device, wherein the electrochromic device comprises: a first layer of an electrochromic material; a second layer of a transparent electrochromic material positioned above the first layer; an electrolyte layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer of the electrochromic material; and at least one first current-conducting layer in contact with the second layer of the electrochromic material, wherein the second layer of the electrochromic material forms an electrode of the electrochromic device, and the first current-conducting layer forms a current collector of the device by being electrically in contact only with the second layer of the electrochromic material.

[0076] In no case is the present invention limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, but extends in particular to any equivalent means and any technically feasible combination of such means. In particular, the following may be taken into consideration.

[0077] - A substrate comprising a dielectric material as a support layer of an electrochromic device.

[0078] - A support layer comprising a plastic substrate. In this embodiment, the electrochromic device comprises only the first encapsulation layer.

[0079] - The second current-conducting layer (13b) may overlap with a part of the second electrochromic layer (11) and a part of the substrate (17).

[0080] - The electrolyte layer (12) may not contain ionic liquid.

[0081] - The electrolyte layer (12) may contain dissolved salt.

[0082] - The first layer (10) and the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material may include different materials.

[0083] - The second electrochromic layer (11) includes a material that can change color.

[0084] - The first current-conducting layer (13a) may include metal.

[0085] - The second current-conducting layer (13b) may include metal.

Claims

Claim 1 Electrochromic device (1) - the electrochromic device (1) comprises: a first layer (10) of an electrochromic material; a second layer (11) of a transparent electrochromic material positioned above the first layer (10); and an electrolyte layer (12) disposed between the first layer (10) and the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material - wherein the electrochromic device (1) comprises at least one first current-conducting layer (13a) in contact with the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material, wherein the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material forms an electrode of the electrochromic device (1), and the first current-conducting layer (13a) forms a current collector of the device (1) by electrically contacting only the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material. Claim 2 An electrochromic device (1) characterized in that, in claim 1, the first current-conducting layer (13a) and the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material are separated. Claim 3 An electrochromic device (1) characterized in that, in claim 1 or 2, the second layer (11) of the electrochromic material is in total contact with the electrolyte layer (12). Claim 4 An electrochromic device (1) characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 3, it includes a second current-conducting layer (13b) in contact with a first layer (10) of the electrochromic material, and the first layer (10) of the electrochromic material forms an electrode of the electrochromic device (1). Claim 5 An electrochromic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a blocking layer (14) disposed between the first electrochromic layer (10) and the second electrochromic layer (11) and capable of hindering the movement of ions to the electrolyte layer (12), wherein the blocking layer (14) limits at least one passage through which ions of the electrolyte layer (12) can freely flow. Claim 6 An electrochromic device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first and second electrochromic layers (10, 11) cover the entire passage formed by the blocking layer (14). Claim 7 An electrochromic device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first electrochromic layer (10) and / or the second electrochromic layer (11) comprises an electrically conductive material. Claim 8 An electrochromic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electrolyte layer (12) comprises a polymer suitable for UV crosslinking. Claim 9 An electrochromic device characterized by comprising at least a first encapsulation layer (15) arranged to cover the device (1) in any one of claims 1 to 8. Claim 10 A method for manufacturing an electrochromic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: a step of depositing an electrochromic material to form a first electrochromic layer (10); a step of depositing an electrolyte material on the first electrochromic layer (10) to form an electrolyte layer (12); a step of depositing an electrochromic material on the electrolyte layer (12) to form a second electrochromic layer (11); a step of depositing a current-conducting material only on a part of the second electrochromic layer (11) to form a first current-conducting layer (13a); and a step of depositing a current-conducting material on a part of the first electrochromic layer (10) to form a second current-conducting layer (13b). Claim 11 A manufacturing method characterized by comprising: a step of depositing an encapsulation material to form a second encapsulation layer (16); a step of depositing a dielectric material to form a blocking layer (14); and a step of depositing an encapsulation material to form a first encapsulation layer (15). Claim 12 A manufacturing method according to claim 11, characterized in that the first current-conducting layer (13a) and the second current-conducting layer (13b) are deposited simultaneously.

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