Electro-optical element and method of forming the same

Abstract

An electro-optical element is provided, comprising a first electroactive compartment and a second electroactive compartment, the first electroactive compartment comprising an electroactive membrane having a first electroactive component, the second electroactive compartment comprising an electroactive solution or gel having a second electroactive component. An ion-selective material is disposed between the first electroactive compartment and the second electroactive compartment and is configured to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component in an activated state from the second electroactive compartment to the first electroactive compartment. At least one of the first electroactive component and the second electroactive component is electrochromic, such that the electro-optical element is configured to reversibly reduce the transmittance of light having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range when an electric potential is applied to the electro-optical element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an electro-optical cell that includes an electroactive membrane separated from an electroactive solution or gel by an ion-selective material. Background Art

[0002] There are known electro-optical components in the prior art. However, it has always been a goal in the art to develop improved electro-optical components to meet various requirements. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optical element includes a first electroactive compartment, the first electroactive compartment including an electroactive membrane having a first electroactive component, wherein the first electroactive compartment is disposed adjacent to a first conductive layer. A second electroactive compartment is disposed adjacent to a second conductive layer and includes an electroactive solution or gel having a second electroactive component, and wherein the second electroactive component can change from an unactivated state to an activated state when a predetermined potential is applied across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. An ion-selective material is disposed between the first electroactive compartment and the second electroactive compartment and is configured to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component from the second electroactive compartment to the first electroactive compartment. At least one of the first electroactive component and the second electroactive component is electrochromic, such that the electro-optical element is configured to reversibly reduce the transmittance of light having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range when a potential is applied across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for forming an electro-optical element is provided. The method includes providing a first electroactive compartment disposed adjacent to a first conductive layer, the first electroactive compartment including an electroactive membrane having a first electroactive component, wherein the first conductive layer is disposed on a first substrate. An ion-selective material is disposed on the electroactive membrane. A second substrate is coupled to the first substrate to form a chamber therebetween, wherein the second substrate includes a second conductive layer, and wherein the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are at least partially disposed within the chamber. An electroactive solution or gel is provided within the chamber to form a second electroactive compartment, wherein the electroactive solution or gel includes a second electroactive component, and wherein the second electroactive component can change from an unactivated state to an activated state when a predetermined potential is applied across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The ion-selective material is configured to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component in the activated state from the second electroactive compartment to the first electroactive compartment during the active, dimmed state. At least one of the first electroactive component and the second electroactive component is electrochromic, such that the electro-optical element is configured to reversibly reduce the transmittance of light having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range when a potential is applied across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

[0005] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art with reference to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electro-optical element according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 A flow chart illustrating a method of forming an electro-optical element according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3 illustrates the chemical structure of a compound used to form an anode film according to one aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0010] Figure 4 Indicated with Figure 3 The chemical structure of the compound used in combination to form the anode film according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The aspects illustrated herein are primarily in the combination of method steps and device components associated with an electro-optical element, the electro-optical element comprising an electroactive membrane separated from an electroactive solution or gel by an ion-selective material, wherein at least one of the electroactive membrane and the electroactive solution or gel comprises an electrochromic component. Such an electro-optical element can be used in a wide range of electro-optical devices. Therefore, device components and method steps have been represented by conventional symbols in the accompanying drawings where appropriate, and only those specific details relevant to understanding aspects of the present disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure due to details that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the description herein. In addition, the same numbers in the specification and the accompanying drawings represent the same elements.

[0012] The terms "including", "comprises", "comprising" or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article or apparatus. In the absence of more constraints, an element preceded by "comprising..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus that includes the element.

[0013] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items may be taken alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items may be taken. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0014] As used herein, "about" will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some extent depending on the context in which it is used. If the use of this term is not clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, then "about" will mean up to plus or minus 10% of the particular term, given the context in which it is used.

[0015] Generally speaking, an electrochromic device comprises an electro-optical element that is capable of switching between an unactivated transparent state (wherein light is transmitted through the electro-optical element) and an activated darkened state (wherein at least a portion of the light is not transmitted through the electro-optical element) when a sufficient potential is applied. Conventional electrochromic devices may include an electro-optical element having an electrochromic material comprising at least one electrochromic and electroactive component that exhibits a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths when exposed to a specific potential difference, i.e., the component absorbs light and provides the electro-optical element with a "colored" or "darkened" appearance. For example, the electrochromic material may darken due to oxidation of an electrochromic anode component and / or reduction of an electrochromic cathode component of the electrochromic device. Upon removal of the potential, the oxidized anode component and / or the reduced cathode component will return to an unactivated state, which causes the electrochromic material to return to a transparent state (also referred to as "clear"). The application and removal of the potential is generally referred to as a single cycle of the electrochromic device.

[0016] In conventional solution-based electro-optical elements of electrochromic devices, a potential must be constantly applied to the device to keep the device in an activated colored state; once the potential is removed, the device will transition back to its unactivated clear state. This phenomenon is often referred to as "self-erasing". However, in some device applications, it may be desirable for the electrochromic device to be able to maintain an activated colored state for a certain period of time without having to constantly apply a potential. Devices that can maintain an activated colored state for a certain period of time without constantly applying a potential can be referred to as bistable or having memory. The ability of an electrochromic device to maintain an activated colored state in an open circuit, i.e., the ability to have memory without self-erasing, can result in less power consumption of the device over time.

[0017] refer to Figure 1-2Aspects of the present disclosure relate to electro-optical elements and methods of forming electro-optical elements, the electro-optical elements comprising an electroactive membrane separated from an electroactive solution or gel by an ion-selective material, wherein the electroactive membrane and / or the electroactive solution or gel comprises an electrochromic component, and the electro-optical element is bistable and has memory, i.e., maintains an activated colored state in an open circuit for a predetermined period of time. Still referring to Figure 1 Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an electro-optical element 10 that includes a first electroactive compartment 12 that includes an electroactive membrane 14 that includes a first electroactive component. The first electroactive compartment 12 may be disposed adjacent to a first conductive layer 16. A second electroactive compartment 20 may be disposed adjacent to a second conductive layer 26, the second electroactive compartment including an electroactive solution or gel 24 that includes a second electroactive component. An ion-selective material 30 is disposed between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20 and is configured to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component from the second electroactive compartment 20 to the first electroactive compartment 12 when in an activated state. The ion-selective material 30 may be configured to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component from the second electroactive compartment 20 to the first electroactive compartment 12 while allowing little or no conduction of electrons through the ion-selective material 30 and between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20. At least one of the first electroactive component and the second electroactive component is electrochromic, such that the electro-optical element 10 is configured to reversibly reduce the transmittance of light having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range when an electric potential is applied across the first conductive layer 16 and the second conductive layer 26. It should be understood that, regardless of its ordinary meaning, unless otherwise indicated, the term "light" is used herein to refer to any wavelength or predetermined wavelength range, including portions of the visible, near infrared and / or infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The first electroactive component can be a cathode component or an anode component and the second electroactive component can be the other of a cathode component and an anode component.

[0018] It is understood that the anode and cathode components may alternatively be referred to as chromophores or electrochromic molecules. Typically, both the anode and cathode components are electroactive and at least one of them is electrochromic. It is understood that, regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term "electroactive" may refer to a component whose oxidation state changes when exposed to a specific potential difference. In addition, it is understood that, regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term "electrochromic" may refer to a component that exhibits a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths when exposed to a specific potential difference. As described herein, an electrochromic component includes a material whose color or opacity is affected by an electric current, such that when an electric potential is applied to the material, the color or opacity changes from a first state to a second state.

[0019] Still refer to Figure 1, the electro-optical element 10 includes a first substrate 40 having a front or first surface 42 and a second surface 44. The first surface 42 may be the observer side of the electro-optical element 10. For example, when the electro-optical element 10 is incorporated into a mirror assembly, the first surface 42 may be considered to be the side facing the observer. The first conductive layer 16 may be disposed on the second surface 44. The electro-optical element 10 also includes a second substrate 50. The second substrate 50 includes a third surface 52 and a fourth surface 54. According to one aspect, one of the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 may be larger than the other or offset from each other along at least a portion of the perimeter of the electro-optical element 10. The second conductive layer 26 may be disposed on the third surface 52 of the second substrate 50. Although aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of the first electroactive compartment 12 being disposed adjacent to the first substrate 40 and the second electroactive compartment 20 being disposed adjacent to the second substrate 50, it is also within the scope of the present disclosure that the first electroactive compartment 12 is disposed adjacent to the second substrate 50 and the second electroactive compartment 20 is disposed adjacent to the first substrate 40.

[0020] An ion selective material 30 is provided between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20 to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component from the second electroactive compartment 20 to the first electroactive compartment 12. The ion selective material 30 may be adapted to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component from the second electroactive compartment 20 to the first electroactive compartment 12 while allowing little or no conduction of electrons through the ion selective material 30 and between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20. In one aspect, the ion selective material 30 may be disposed above the electroactive membrane 14 such that the ion selective material 30 acts as a separator between the electroactive membrane 14 and the second electroactive component of the electroactive solution or gel 24.

[0021] The primary seal 60 traverses the approximate perimeter of the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 and is configured to cooperate with the first substrate and the second substrate to define a chamber 62 that may be optionally substantially sealed. The primary seal 60 may be applied to the first substrate 40 and / or the second substrate 50 by conventional methods, such as by screen printing or dispensing. In one example, the primary seal 60 may combine at least a first sealing component and a second sealing component to form the primary seal 60. Optionally, one or more spacers (not shown) such as glass or polymer beads may be provided between the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 to facilitate maintaining a predetermined spacing distance between the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50.

[0022] The electro-optical element 10 may be incorporated into any suitable optical device, non-limiting examples of which include interior and exterior mirrors, architectural windows, vehicle windows, skylights, aircraft windows, camera filters and glasses, and other optical components located within bezels and housings. Based on the intended application of the electro-optical element 10, the electro-optical element 10 according to aspects of the present disclosure may include more or fewer components arranged in different ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, non-limiting examples of which include polarizers, reflective elements, and semi-transmissive and semi-reflective elements.

[0023] The electro-optical element 10 can operate between a substantially clear state and a substantially dark or dimmed state and intermediate states therein. The dimmed state of the electro-optical element 10 can be defined relative to the transmittance of the substantially clear state. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the transmittance of the electro-optical element 10 in the substantially clear state can be greater than about 25%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 70%, or greater than about 85%. The sum of the percentages of the reflectivity, transmittance, and absorptivity of the electro-optical element 10 is 100%. In one aspect, the transmittance of the electro-optical element 10 in the substantially darkened state can be less than about 10%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.1%, or less than about 0.01%.

[0024] The first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 may be made of the same or different materials. The materials of the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 may vary with the intended application of the electro-optical element 10 and may be selected from materials such as glass, polymer materials, ceramics and other optically transparent or translucent materials. In some aspects, the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 are both optically transparent or translucent, while in other aspects, only the first substrate 40 is optically transparent or translucent and the second substrate 50 is opaque or reflective. The thickness of each of the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 may vary with the end-use application of the electro-optical element 10. In an example, the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 may have a thickness of less than about 1.2 mm, less than about 0.8 mm or less than about 0.6 mm.

[0025] The first conductive layer 16 and the second conductive layer 26 may be made of the same or different materials. At least the first conductive layer 16 is made of a transparent conductive material, and optionally both the first conductive layer 16 and the second conductive layer 26 are made of a transparent conductive material. In some examples, the second conductive layer 26 is made of an opaque conductive material. Depending on the intended use of the electro-optical element 10, the conductive layers 16, 26 may be transparent, opaque or reflective. For example, in the case where the electro-optical element 10 is to be incorporated into a window, both conductive layers 16, 26 should be substantially transparent, while in the case where the electro-optical element 10 is to be incorporated into a mirror, at least one of the conductive layers 16, 26 is transparent.

[0026] Non-limiting examples of transparent conductive materials include: fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), indium-doped tin oxide (ITO), doped zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide, metal oxide / Ag / metal oxide, silver nanowire coatings, carbon nanotube coatings, graphene coatings, wire grids, and conductive polymers such as but not limited to poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). Non-limiting examples of opaque conductive coatings include metal coatings such as rhodium, chromium, nickel, silver, gold, and other metals, or mixtures of any two or more thereof. Optionally, one or both of the first conductive layer 16 and the second conductive layer 26 may include additional layers or sublayers. For example, the second conductive layer 26 may include a metal reflector or one or more coatings configured as a partially reflective, partially transmissive ("semi-transmissive and semi-reflective") coating.

[0027] The first electroactive compartment 12 includes an electroactive membrane 14, which may be a cathode membrane or an anode membrane, and the second electroactive compartment 20 includes an electroactive solution or gel 24, which may be a cathode solution or gel or an anode solution or gel. When the electroactive membrane 14 is a cathode membrane, the first electroactive component is a cathode component and the second electroactive compartment 20 includes an anode solution or gel 24 in which the second electroactive component is an anode component. In this configuration, the first electroactive compartment 12 may be referred to as a cathode compartment and the second electroactive compartment 20 may be referred to as an anode compartment. When the electroactive membrane 14 is an anode membrane, the first electroactive component is an anode component and the second electroactive compartment 20 includes a cathode solution or gel 24 in which the second electroactive component is a cathode component. In this configuration, the first electroactive compartment 12 may be referred to as an anode compartment and the second electroactive compartment 20 may be referred to as a cathode compartment.

[0028] Based on the configuration of the electro-optical element 10, the cathode component can be selected based on its suitability in the electroactive film 14 or the electroactive solution or gel 24. Non-limiting examples of cathode components according to the present disclosure include viologens, viologen derivatives, methyl viologen, octyl viologen, benzyl viologen, di-acrylate viologen, di-vinyl viologen, di-vinyl ether viologen, di-epoxy viologen, di-oxetane viologen, di-hydroxy viologen, 1,1'-dialkyl-2,2'-bipyridinium, ferrocenium, substituted ferrocenium, imide, N,N'-dialkylpyromellitic imide, N,N'-dimethyl-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide, and combinations thereof. Exemplary viologen derivatives are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,902,108, 6,188,505, 5,998,617, 9,964,828, and 6,710,906, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In one aspect, when the electroactive membrane 14 is a cathode membrane, the cathode component can include a polymer membrane such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) or, for example, a polymeric metallocene. In another aspect, when the electroactive membrane 14 is a cathode membrane, the cathode component can include a solid transition metal oxide, a non-limiting example of which includes an oxide of tungsten.

[0029] Based on the configuration of the electro-optical element 10, the anode component can be selected based on its suitability in the electroactive film 14 or the electroactive solution or gel 24. Non-limiting examples of anode components include: metallocenes, 5,10-dihydrophenazine, phenothiazine, phenoxazine, carbazole, triphenodioxazine, triphenodithiazine, ferrocene, substituted ferrocene, substituted ferrocenyl salts, phenazine, substituted phenazines, substituted phenothiazines, substituted dithiazines, thianthrene, substituted thianthrene, di-tert-butyldiethylferrocene, 5,10-dimethyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine (DMP), bis(tri(tert-butyl)-2-oxo-1-yl)-1-oxo ... 1,4-Dihydrophenazine, 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]5,10-dihydrophenazine, bis(butyltriethylammonio)-p-methoxytriphenodithiazine (TPDT) and combinations thereof. When the electroactive membrane 14 is an anode membrane, the anode component may include a polymer membrane, such as a polyaniline membrane or a polythiophene membrane, a polymeric metallocene or a solid transition metal oxide, including but not limited to oxides of vanadium, nickel, tungsten and iridium, as well as numerous heterocyclic compounds, etc. It should be understood that numerous other anode materials are contemplated for use, including those disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,902,108, 6,188,505, 6,710,906, 9,964,828, and 7,428,091, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0030] The electroactive film 14 may include a first electroactive component, which is a cathode component or an anode component, which is incorporated into a polymer matrix to form a film. The first electroactive component may be incorporated into the main chain of the polymer chain of the polymer matrix forming the electroactive film 14 and / or covalently bonded to the polymer chain as a side group. For example, the electroactive film 14 may include a polymer film comprising a plurality of polymer chains, the plurality of polymer chains being composed of a plurality of repeating monomer units forming the main chain of the polymer chain. The first electroactive component may form a side group covalently connected to the main chain of the polymer chain or may be arranged between monomer units of the main chain of the polymer chain. The electroactive film 14 may optionally include a binder polymer (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyvinyl formal or polyethylene glycol), a plasticizer (e.g., propylene carbonate or γ-butyrolactone) that will help promote ionic conductivity, and / or a supporting electrolyte (e.g., tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate or lithium hexafluorophosphate).

[0031] Optionally, the polymer chains forming the electroactive film 14 can be cross-linked. Cross-linking the polymer chains of the electroactive film 14 can increase the mechanical stability of the electroactive film 14. The polymer matrix can optionally include additional polymer chains that do not include the first electroactive component. These additional polymer chains can be formed by the same or different monomer units as the polymer chains that bind the first electroactive component and can optionally be cross-linked with the polymer chains that bind the first electroactive component. Non-limiting examples of materials that can be used with the polymer matrix to covalently bond the first electroactive component to the polymer matrix to form the electroactive film 14 include: polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polypropylene glycol methacrylates, polyethers, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polysiloxanes, polysilanes, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, polymethacrylonitrile, polyamides, polyimides, polyvinylidene halides, and copolymers thereof, or combinations of any two or more thereof. Further examples of polymer matrix materials for use in electro-optical elements can be found in US Pat. Nos. 6,635,194, 5,940,201, 5,928,572, and 9,964,828, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first electroactive component (cathode component or anode component) may include at least one polymerizable functional group that can react with a polymer or polymer monomer that forms the polymer matrix of the electroactive membrane 14. In one aspect, the first electroactive component is incorporated into a compound that includes one or more polymerizable functional groups that are capable of reacting with a polymer or polymer monomer that forms the polymer matrix. In this way, the electroactive component - or the cathode component or the anode component - can be covalently bonded to the polymer matrix that forms the electroactive membrane 14 through one or more bonds.

[0033] For example, the first electroactive component may contain hydroxyl groups so that the component can be covalently bonded to a polymer matrix via a condensation reaction or can react with isocyanate functional groups to form a polyurethane-based polymer matrix. Amines can also be reacted with isocyanate functional groups to form urea and biuret bonds. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure to employ other polymer matrix systems containing the first electroactive component, which can be formed using a combination of a multifunctional epoxy resin with a curing agent such as an amine, alcohol, or anhydride or by base or acid catalyzed homopolymerization or copolymerization.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electroactive film 14 may be prepared using any suitable method to provide a film having a desired thickness and uniformity. For example, the electroactive film 14 may be prepared using a Mayer or other rod coating process or a blade-down process or applied as a spray coating or by screen printing.

[0035] Depending on the configuration of electro-optical element 10, electroactive solution or gel 24 contains a second electroactive component, a cathode component or an anode component, in a solution phase or a gel phase. When the second electroactive component is a cathode component, electroactive solution or gel 24 may be referred to as a cathode solution or cathode gel. When the second electroactive component is an anode component, electroactive solution or gel 24 may be referred to as an anode solution or an anode gel. Electroactive solution or gel 24 may contain both cathode components and anode components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] When the electroactive solution or gel 24 is an electroactive solution, the second electroactive component can be dissolved in a solvent system comprising at least one solvent. The solvent system can be selected based at least in part on the solubility of the second electroactive component, the cathode component or the anode component, in the solvent system. Non-limiting examples of solvents suitable for use in the solvent system include: dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, water, acetonitrile, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclopentanone, propane sultone and cyclic esters, including propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, β-propiolactone, β-butyrolactone, γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone, δ-valerolactone and mixtures thereof. Exemplary electroactive solutions can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,108, issued on February 20, 1990, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0037] Optionally, electroactive solution 24 may include a thickening or gelling material to increase the viscosity of electroactive solution 24. The thickening or gelling material may be selected to increase the viscosity of electroactive solution 24 without reacting with the second electroactive component to form a covalent bond. The type and amount of the thickening or gelling material may be selected based on the desired viscosity of the second electroactive component and electroactive solution 24. In some examples, the thickening or gelling material may be added to form electroactive gel 24 or the thickening or gelling material may be added to increase the viscosity of electroactive solution 24 without forming a true gel.

[0038] When the electroactive solution or gel 24 is an electroactive gel, the second electroactive component, the cathode component or the anode component, can be enclosed in the polymer matrix, but not covalently bonded to the polymer matrix. The electroactive gel 24 can be a gel comprising a solvent system, a second electroactive component and a polymer matrix. The solvent system used in forming the electroactive gel 24 can be the same or different from the solvent system described above for the electroactive solution 24. Non-limiting examples of suitable polymer matrices for enclosing the second electroactive component in the electroactive gel 24 include: polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyethers, polyesters, polycarbonates and polyurethanes, polysiloxanes, polysilanes, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, polymethacrylonitrile, polyamides, polyimides, polyvinylidene halides and copolymers thereof or any combination of two or more thereof. Optionally, the polymer matrix forming the electroactive gel 24 can be cross-linked. Other examples of polymer matrix materials can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,635,194 and 5,940,201, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0039] The electroactive solution or gel 24 may include one or more ion-carrying electrolytes, non-limiting examples of which include alkali metal salts, tetraalkylammonium salts, halide salts such as aluminum chloride or aluminum bromide, metal or ammonium salts such as the following anions F - , Cl - Br - ,I - 、BF4 - PF6 - 、SbF6 - 、AsF6 - 、ClO4 - 、SO3CF3 - 、N(CF3SO2) 2- 、C(CF3SO2) 3- 、N(SO2C2F5) - 、Al(OC(CF3)3)4 - or BAr4 - Li + 、Na + , K + 、NR'4 + Salts (wherein each R' is independently H, alkyl or cycloalkyl), wherein Ar is an aryl or fluorinated aryl group such as but not limited to C6H5, 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3 or C6F5. Examples of cationic electrolytes include Li + 、Na + , tetraalkylammonium and tetra-n-butylammonium. Examples of anionic electrolytes include N(CF3SO2)2 - PF6 - 、BF4 -and ClO4 - In some cases, an electrolyte may be introduced into the first electroactive compartment 12 and / or the second electroactive compartment 20 as a counter ion on the electroactive component. For example, n-octyl viologen bis(tetrafluoroborate) is a cathode component containing two equivalents of the electrolyte BF4 for each equivalent of n-octyl viologen bis(tetrafluoroborate). - In another embodiment, 10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]5,10-dihydrophenazine bis(hexafluorophosphate) is an anode component, and each equivalent of 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]5,10-dihydrophenazine bis(hexafluorophosphate) contains two equivalents of electrolyte PF6 - .

[0040] The ion selective material 30 is selected based at least in part on the first electroactive component and the second electroactive component to inhibit the diffusion or passage of ions of a first charge (also referred to as electrolytes) between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20, while allowing ions of a second charge different from the first charge to pass or diffuse through the ion selective material 30. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the ion selective material 30 may be selected to inhibit the diffusion or passage of ions having a charge corresponding to the charge of the electroactive component in the electroactive solution or gel 24 in the activated state. For example, when the electroactive component in the electroactive solution or gel 24 has a positive charge in the activated state, the ion selective material 30 is selected to inhibit the diffusion of cations between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20. When the electroactive component in the electroactive solution or gel 24 has a negative charge in the activated state, the ion selective material 30 is selected to inhibit the diffusion of anions between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20.

[0041] For example, when the electroactive membrane 14 is an anodic membrane and the electroactive solution or gel 24 is a cathodic solution or gel in which the electroactive component is a cation in an activated state, the ion selective material 30 can be selected to inhibit the diffusion of cations (i.e., ions of the first positive charge) between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20 and allow the diffusion of anions (i.e., ions of the second negative charge) between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20. In this example, the electroactive component of the electroactive solution or gel 23 can be, but is not limited to, viologen, which is a cation in an activated one-electron reduced state. In another example, when the electroactive membrane 14 is a cathodic membrane and the electroactive solution or gel 24 is an anodic solution or gel in which the electroactive component is a cation in an activated state, the ion selective material 30 can be selected to inhibit the diffusion of cations (i.e., ions of the first positive charge) between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20 and allow the diffusion of anions (i.e., ions of the second negative charge) between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20. In this example, the electroactive component of the electroactive solution or gel 24 can be, but is not limited to, 5,10-dimethyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine (DMP), which is a cation in an activated oxidized state. In another example, when the electroactive membrane 14 is an anodic membrane and the electroactive solution or gel 24 is a cathodic solution or gel in which the electroactive component is an anion in an activated state, the ion selective material 30 is selected to inhibit the diffusion of anions (i.e., ions of the first negative charge) between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20 and allow the diffusion of cations (i.e., ions of the second positive charge) between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20. In this example, the electroactive component of the electroactive solution or gel 24 can be, but is not limited to, N'N'-dimethyl-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide, which is an anion in an activated reduced state. Therefore, in one example, the first electroactive component can be an anodic component, the second electroactive component can be a cathodic component, and the ion selective material can be an anion exchange material. In another example, the first electroactive component can be a cathode component, the second electroactive component can be an anode component, and the ion selective material can be an anion exchange material. In another example, the first electroactive component can be an anode component, the second electroactive component can be a cathode component, and the ion selective material can be a cation exchange material.

[0042] In this way, when the electro-optical element 10 is in the activated dimmed state, diffusion of ions of the first charge is inhibited and diffusion of ions of the second charge is allowed. Thus, when the electro-optical element 10 is in the activated dimmed state, diffusion of the second electroactive component from the second electroactive compartment 20 through the ion selective material 30 into the first electroactive compartment 12 is inhibited, while allowing little or no conduction of electrons through the ion selective material 30 and between the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20. Inhibiting diffusion of the second electroactive component can facilitate inhibiting interaction of the second electroactive component with the first electroactive component, which can result in self-erasure of the electro-optical element 10. The first electroactive component is incorporated into the electroactive film 14, which inhibits the movement of the first electroactive component. Inhibiting interaction of the first electroactive component with the second electroactive component can allow the electro-optical element 10 to remain in the dimmed state for a predetermined period of time when placed in an open circuit, that is, the electro-optical element 10 can exhibit memory for a predetermined period of time.

[0043] Based on the configuration of the first electroactive compartment 12 and the second electroactive compartment 20, the ion selective material 30 can be any suitable transparent material configured to inhibit the diffusion of ions with a first charge and allow the diffusion of ions with a second charge. According to some aspects, an ion exchange membrane is an example of an ion selective material 30. Ion selective materials or ion exchange membrane materials suitable for use in aspects of the present disclosure are generally composed of fixed ions of one charge and mobile charges of the opposite charge or non-covalently bound counterions bound to a polymer backbone or side groups. For example, an anion exchange membrane can be a material having polymer-bound cations and non-covalently bound anions. In another example, a cation exchange membrane can be a material having polymer-bound anions and non-covalently bound cations. Non-limiting examples of suitable polymer materials that can be used in the ion selective material 30 include, but are not limited to, derivatized polysulfones, derivatized poly(ethersulfones), derivatized poly(etherketones), derivatized benzimidazoles, derivatized polyphenylene oxides, derivatized polypropylenes, derivatized polyethylenes, derivatized polyacrylates, derivatized polymethacrylates, derivatized polyamides, derivatized polystyrenes, derivatized polyethers, derivatized poly(ethylene oxides), derivatized poly(arylene ethers), derivatized poly(tetrahydrofurans), sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene polymers, aminated polystyrene copolymers, poly(vinylpyridinium salts) copolymers, poly(vinylimidazolium salts) copolymers, and combinations thereof. Copolymer combinations may include, but are not limited to, block copolymers, alternating copolymers, random copolymers, and graft copolymers. Exemplary ion selective materials 30 are described in U.S. Publication No. 2019 / 0048159, published on February 14, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0044] Figure 2A method 100 of forming an electro-optical element according to one aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 1 Although described in the context of the electro-optical element 10 of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the method 100 can be used to form other electro-optical elements according to aspects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that unless otherwise stated, the method 100 can include more or fewer steps, or can be combined with other methods for forming electro-optical elements, devices and assemblies without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] The method 100 may include providing a first electroactive compartment 12 at 102. Providing the first electroactive compartment 12 may include providing an electroactive membrane 14 disposed on a first conductive layer 16 disposed on a first substrate 40. The electroactive membrane 14 and / or the first conductive layer 16 may be disposed on the first substrate 40 and stored for a predetermined period of time until use or formed immediately prior to providing the ion selective material 30 at step 104. For example, the first conductive layer 16 and any additional layers or coatings may be formed on the first substrate 40 and stored as a preform until the electroactive membrane 14 is deposited or formed on the first conductive layer 16, and then the ion selective material 30 is provided over the electroactive membrane 14 at step 104. In another example, the preform may include the first substrate 40, the first conductive layer 16, and the electroactive membrane 14.

[0046] After forming the first electroactive compartment 12, the ion-selective material 30 may be provided at 104 by disposing the ion-selective material 30 on at least the electroactive membrane 14. According to one aspect, the ion-selective material 30 is provided on the electroactive membrane 14 such that any exposed surface of the electroactive membrane 14 is covered with the ion-selective material 30. In another example, only those surfaces of the electroactive membrane 14 that will ultimately be disposed within the first compartment 12 may be covered with the ion-selective material 30. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first electroactive compartment 12 may optionally include additional elements and / or membranes in combination with the electroactive membrane 14.

[0047] At 106, the second electroactive compartment 20 may be formed by assembling the second substrate 50 with the first substrate 40 so that the second conductive layer 26 faces the first conductive layer 16. One or more seals may be provided to form a primary seal 60 around the perimeter of the electro-optical element 10 and to couple the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50 to form a chamber 62. Optional spacers such as glass beads may be provided to facilitate maintaining a desired spacing between the first substrate 40 and the second substrate 50. Once the chamber 62 is formed, at step 106, an electroactive solution or gel 24 containing a second electroactive component may be provided to the chamber 62 through a suitable filling port or gap in the primary seal 60. In one example, the electroactive solution or gel 24 may be provided to the chamber 62 under vacuum. The filling port or gap may be sealed after the electroactive solution or gel 24 has been provided to the chamber 62. In another example, the electroactive solution or gel 23 may be formed on the second conductive layer 26 disposed on the first substrate and then laminated with the ion selective material 30.

[0048] The second electroactive component may be provided to the chamber 62 in a composition in a solution phase or a gel phase. Preferably, the second electroactive component is provided in a form having sufficient flowability to flow into the chamber 62. The composition comprising the second electroactive component may optionally include additional components, as described above, examples of which include thickening materials, gelling materials, solvents, electrolytes, etc. In one example, the second electroactive component may be provided in an electroactive solution 24 that is configured to maintain a solution phase during normal use conditions of the electro-optical element 10. In another example, the second electroactive component may be provided to the chamber 62 as a pre-gel solution, which, after curing, will form an electroactive gel 24 in the second electroactive compartment 20. The curing of the electroactive gel 24 may include allowing the electroactive gel 24 to stand for a predetermined period of time, applying heat, applying radiation (e.g., ultraviolet light), and / or exposing to a cross-linking material. In one example, the second electroactive component may be provided to the chamber 62 as a partially cured electroactive gel 24 and curing may be completed once the electroactive gel 24 is disposed in the chamber 62.

[0049] Without being limited by any theory, conventional solution-phase electro-optical elements typically contain at least one anode (oxidizable) material, at least one cathode (reducible) material, and a solvent. A potential may be applied to a conventional solution-phase electro-optical element to cause the element to transition between a transparent state and a darkened state. Internal diffusion processes may cause the activated cathode and anode materials to undergo additional charge transfer processes that may result in continuous self-erasure, and thus require continuous application of a potential to maintain the electro-optical element in a darkened state. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to inhibiting the movement of a cathode component or an anode component by combining one of the cathode component and the anode component in a polymer matrix and inhibiting the movement of the other of the cathode component or the anode component by using an ion-selective material. Inhibiting the movement of the cathode component and the anode component may reduce the occurrence of additional charge transfer processes that may result in self-erasure, thereby allowing the electro-optical element to have memory, low power consumption, and maintain a darkened state in an open circuit for a predetermined period of time.

[0050] Incorporating one of the cathode component or the anode component into a polymer matrix will inhibit the movement of the combined component, thereby minimizing the ability of the combined component to participate in reactions that may cause self-erasure. Incorporating the first electroactive component into a polymer film can be regarded as confining the first electroactive component to a predetermined area of ​​the electro-optical element. Providing the second electroactive component in a solution or gel phase will allow the second electroactive component to be backfilled into the chamber under controlled conditions (e.g., under vacuum, under a low oxygen atmosphere). Some materials may be sensitive to environmental conditions such as moisture and oxygen, so it may be desirable to assemble the electro-optical element under controlled conditions that limit the exposure of the electro-optical element material to these environmental conditions. The ability to provide the second electroactive component as a liquid or gel to a fully or partially assembled electro-optical element can facilitate the exposure of the components of the electro-optical element. For example, it may be easier to protect the material from oxygen by backfilling the electro-optical element with a solution or gel phase electroactive component under vacuum than attempting to assemble an electroactive component incorporated into a film provided on a substrate.

[0051] Because the second electroactive component is provided in a liquid or gel phase, the second electroactive component is able to diffuse within the second electroactive compartment. The ion-selective material is configured to inhibit the movement of the second electroactive component into the first electroactive compartment and thereby inhibit the interaction of the first electroactive component with the second electroactive component. Because the first electroactive component is already confined within the polymer matrix of the electroactive membrane, the ion-selective material only needs to inhibit the movement of the second electroactive component. In this way, the hybrid electro-optical element of the present disclosure can be customized based on the specific materials used and the desired properties of the electro-optical element formed thereby, taking advantage of certain advantages of incorporating the electroactive component in a polymer matrix and certain advantages of solution or gel phase electroactive components.

[0052] The following examples describe various features and advantages provided by aspects of the present disclosure and are in no way intended to limit the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0053] Example

[0054] An exemplary electro-optical element according to the present disclosure was formed and incorporated into an electrochromic device as follows: The electro-optical element stack was arranged in the following order: glass substrate / ITO film / anode film / anion ion exchange member / cathode gel / ITO film / glass substrate.

[0055] By merging Figure 3 The phenazine compound 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]5,10-dihydrophenazine bis(hexafluorophosphate) and Figure 4 An isocyanate crosslinker ("HDT") is used to form a crosslinked anodic film. Figure 4 The HDT compound is a trimer of hexamethylene diisocyanate (with other oligomers) in the "biuret" form. The final hydroxyl to isocyanate ratio in the anode film composition is about 1.1:1. The anode film composition also contains 50 ppm of a tin catalyst dibutyltin diacetate to promote curing and contains aprotic coating solvents, including propylene carbonate and 3-methoxypropionitrile. The anode film composition is coated on a first indium tin oxide (ITO) layer (1 / 2-wave) coated on a 3 inch x 3 inch soda lime glass substrate (thickness 2.2 mm) using a Mayer rod. The first ITO layer serves as the anode in the electro-optical element. The anode film composition is cured by placing the freshly coated glass substrate in a 60°C oven under a nitrogen atmosphere overnight to form a cross-linked phenazine-based anode film. The thickness of the cured cross-linked phenazine-based anode film is about 1.5 microns to about 2.5 microns.

[0056] Next, a 2.5×2.5 square inch anionic ion exchange membrane, Fumasep FAPQ-375-PP (commercially available from Fumatech, Bietigheim-Bissingen, Germany), was laminated over the cross-linked phenazine-based anode membrane by placing the ion exchange membrane over the anode membrane in a vacuum bag, then evacuating and sealing the bag and heating to 100° C. for one hour.

[0057] The anion exchange membrane of the adjacent lamination of the second 1 / 2-wave ITO coated glass substrate is placed, wherein the second ITO layer is faced to the anion exchange membrane. The second ITO layer serves as the cathode in the electro-optical element. Two glass substrates are adhered to each other by placing a thermosetting epoxy resin sealant around the periphery of the device. This thermosetting epoxy resin comprises 220 microns of glass beads to provide a gap of approximately 150 microns between the second ITO coating and the anion exchange membrane. The thermosetting epoxy resin sealant is cured overnight.

[0058] A cathode gel composition is formed by mixing 32 millimoles of N,N'-dioctyl viologen bis(tetrafluoroborate), 2.8% (by weight) of a 1:10 copolymer of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and methyl acrylate, 0.19% (by weight) of a diisocyanate crosslinker Lupranate MI (commercially available from BASF), 20 millimoles of tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate, and 1.0 parts per million of dibutyltin diacetate in a propylene carbonate solvent to form a cathode gel. The cathode gel composition is then vacuum backfilled between the anion ion exchange membrane and the second ITO layer through the gap in the thermosetting epoxy resin, and a UV-cured epoxy resin material is used to fill the backfill gap. The cathode gel composition is then allowed to gel overnight to form a cathode gel.

[0059] In order to confirm that the electrochromic device shows memory, that is, the ability to maintain a darkened state when a potential is not continuously applied, an electrical connection is placed between two ITO layers. First, a 0.8 volt potential is applied, wherein the anodic film based on phenazine is oxidized at the ITO anode, and the cathode gel is reduced at the ITO cathode, and the device is transformed into a colored darkened state. The anion ion exchange membrane used in the present embodiment is white and translucent. When a potential is applied, the anode side of the electrochromic device changes from colorless to green and the cathode side changes from colorless to blue. In less than 1 minute, the device is completely darkened. When the circuit between the two ITO layers is short-circuited, the device is transformed back to a clear colorless state in 1 minute. Next, the same device is placed under the same 0.8 volt potential for 1 minute, but instead of short-circuiting the device, the circuit between the ITO layers is placed in an open circuit. The device maintains a darkened colored state for more than one hour without losing any color.

[0060] The present disclosure encompasses the following non-limiting aspects. To the extent not yet described, any one of the features of the following first to twentieth aspects may be combined in part or in whole with any one or more features of other aspects other than the first to twentieth aspects of the present disclosure to form additional aspects, even if such a combination is not explicitly described.

[0061] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optical element comprises: a first electroactive compartment, the first electroactive compartment comprising an electroactive film comprising a first electroactive component, wherein the first electroactive compartment is arranged adjacent to a first conductive layer; a second electroactive compartment, the second electroactive compartment is arranged adjacent to the second conductive layer and comprises an electroactive solution or gel comprising a second electroactive component, and wherein the second electroactive component can change from an unactivated state to an activated state when a predetermined potential is applied across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and an ion-selective material arranged between the first electroactive compartment and the second electroactive compartment, wherein the ion-selective material is configured to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component in an activated state from the second electroactive compartment to the first electroactive compartment, and wherein at least one of the first electroactive component and the second electroactive component is electrochromic, so that the electro-optical element is configured to reversibly reduce the transmittance of light having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range when a potential is applied across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

[0062] According to the second aspect, the electro-optical element of the first aspect, wherein the first electroactive component or the second electroactive component comprises at least one cathode component selected from the following: viologen, viologen derivatives, methyl viologen, octyl viologen, benzyl viologen, di-acrylate viologen, di-vinyl viologen, di-vinyl ether viologen, di-epoxy viologen, di-oxetane viologen, di-hydroxy viologen, 1,1'-dialkyl-2,2'-bipyridylium, ferrocenium, substituted ferrocenium, imide, N,N'-dialkylbenzenetetracarboximide, N,N'-dimethyl-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide and combinations thereof.

[0063] According to a third aspect, an electro-optical element of the first or second aspect, wherein the first electroactive component or the second electroactive component comprises at least one anode component selected from the group consisting of metallocenes, 5,10-dihydrophenazine, phenothiazine, phenoxazine, carbazole, triphenodioxazine, triphenodithiazine, ferrocene, substituted ferrocene, substituted ferrocenyl salts, phenazine, substituted phenazines, substituted phenothiazines, substituted dithiazines, thianthrene, substituted thianthrene, di-tert-butyldiethylferrocene, 5,10-dimethyl -5,10-dihydrophenazine (DMP), bis(triethylaminopropyl)dihydrophenazine, 3,7,10-trimethylphenothiazine, 2,3,7,8-tetramethoxy-thianthrene, 10-methylphenothiazine, tetramethylphenazine (TMP), 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)5,10-dihydrophenazine, 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]5,10-dihydrophenazine, bis(butyltriethylammonium)-p-methoxytriphenodithiazine (TPDT), and combinations thereof.

[0064] According to the fourth aspect, an electro-optical element of any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the ion selective material comprises at least one polymer selected from the following: derivatized polysulfone, derivatized poly(ether sulfone), derivatized poly(ether ketone), derivatized benzimidazole, derivatized polyphenylene ether, derivatized polypropylene, derivatized polyethylene, derivatized polyacrylate, derivatized polymethacrylate, derivatized polyamide, derivatized polystyrene, derivatized polyether, derivatized poly(ethylene oxide), derivatized poly(arylene ether), derivatized poly(tetrahydrofuran), sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene polymer, aminated polystyrene copolymer, poly(vinylpyridinium salt) copolymer, poly(vinylimidazolium salt) copolymer and combinations thereof.

[0065] According to the fifth aspect, the electro-optical element of any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, wherein at least one of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer comprises a material selected from the following: fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), indium tin oxide (ITO), doped zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide, metal oxide / Ag / metal oxide, silver nanowire coating, carbon nanotube coating, graphene coating, wire grid, conductive polymer, poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), rhodium, chromium, nickel, silver, gold and combinations thereof.

[0066] According to a sixth aspect, the electro-optical element of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the first electroactive component is at least one of incorporated into a main chain of the polymer matrix and covalently bonded as a side group to a polymer chain forming the polymer matrix.

[0067] According to a seventh aspect, the electro-optical element of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the electroactive film comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyaniline, polythiophene, polymeric metallocene, nickel oxide, vanadium oxide, tungsten oxide, and iridium oxide.

[0068] According to an eighth aspect, the electro-optical element of any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein: the first electroactive component comprises an anode component; the second electroactive component comprises a cathode component; and the ion selective material is an anion ion exchange material.

[0069] According to a ninth aspect, the electro-optical element of any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein: the first electroactive component comprises a cathode component; the second electroactive component comprises an anode component; and the ion selective material is an anion ion exchange material.

[0070] According to a tenth aspect, the electro-optical element of any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein: the first electroactive component comprises an anode component; the second electroactive component comprises a cathode component; and the ion selective material is a cationic ion exchange material.

[0071] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a method for forming an electro-optical element includes: providing a first electroactive compartment disposed adjacent to a first conductive layer, the first electroactive compartment including an electroactive membrane including a first electroactive component, wherein the first conductive layer is disposed on a first substrate; providing an ion-selective material disposed on the electroactive membrane; coupling a second substrate to the first substrate to form a chamber therebetween, wherein the second substrate includes a second conductive layer, and wherein the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are at least partially disposed within the chamber; and providing an electroactive solution or gel within the chamber to form a second electroactive compartment, wherein the electroactive solution or gel includes a second electroactive component, and wherein when a predetermined potential is applied across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, the second electroactive component can change from an unactivated state to an activated state, wherein the ion-selective material is configured to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component in the activated state from the second electroactive compartment to the first electroactive compartment, and wherein at least one of the first electroactive component and the second electroactive component is electrochromic, such that the electro-optical element is configured to reversibly reduce the transmittance of light having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range when a potential is applied across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.

[0072] According to a twelfth aspect, the method of the eleventh aspect, wherein coupling the second substrate to the first substrate includes forming a seal between the first substrate and the second substrate around a perimeter of the electro-optical element.

[0073] The method of aspect 13, aspect 11 or aspect 12, wherein providing the electroactive solution or gel within the chamber comprises vacuum filling the chamber with a composition comprising the second electroactive component.

[0074] According to a fourteenth aspect, the method of aspect thirteen, wherein the composition comprising the second electroactive component is configured to form a gel.

[0075] According to the fifteenth aspect, the method of any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects, wherein the first electroactive component or the second electroactive component comprises at least one cathode component selected from the group consisting of viologen, viologen derivatives, methyl viologen, octyl viologen, benzyl viologen, di-acrylate viologen, di-vinyl viologen, di-vinyl ether viologen, di-epoxy viologen, di-oxetane viologen, di-hydroxy viologen, 1,1'-dialkyl-2,2'-bipyridinium, ferrocenium, substituted ferrocenium, imide, N,N'-dialkylpyromellitic imide, N,N'-dimethyl-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide and combinations thereof.

[0076] According to the sixteenth aspect, the method of any one of the eleventh to fourteenth aspects, wherein the first electroactive component or the second electroactive component comprises at least one anode component selected from the group consisting of metallocenes, 5,10-dihydrophenazine, phenothiazine, phenoxazine, carbazole, triphenodioxazine, triphenodithiazine, ferrocene, substituted ferrocene, substituted ferrocenyl salts, phenazine, substituted phenazines, substituted phenothiazines, substituted dithiazines, thianthrene, substituted thianthrene, di-tert-butyldiethylferrocene, 5,10 -dimethyl-5,10-dihydrophenazine (DMP), bis(triethylaminopropyl)dihydrophenazine, 3,7,10-trimethylphenothiazine, 2,3,7,8-tetramethoxy-thianthrene, 10-methylphenothiazine, tetramethylphenazine (TMP), 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)5,10-dihydrophenazine, 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]5,10-dihydrophenazine, bis(butyltriethylammonium)-p-methoxytriphenodithiazine (TPDT), and combinations thereof.

[0077] According to the seventeenth aspect, the method of any one of the eleventh to sixteenth aspects, wherein the ion selective material comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of derivatized polysulfones, derivatized poly(ethersulfones), derivatized poly(etherketones), derivatized benzimidazoles, derivatized polyphenylene ethers, derivatized polypropylenes, derivatized polyethylenes, derivatized polyacrylates, derivatized polymethacrylates, derivatized polyamides, derivatized polystyrenes, derivatized polyethers, derivatized poly(ethylene oxides), derivatized poly(arylene ethers), derivatized poly(tetrahydrofurans), sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene polymers, ammoniated polystyrene copolymers, poly(vinylpyridinium) copolymers, poly(vinylimidazolium) copolymers, and combinations thereof.

[0078] According to the eighteenth aspect, the method of any one of the eleventh aspect to the seventeenth aspect, wherein at least one of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), indium tin oxide (ITO), doped zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide, metal oxide / Ag / metal oxide, silver nanowire coating, carbon nanotube coating, graphene coating, wire grid, conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), rhodium, chromium, nickel, silver, gold, and combinations thereof.

[0079] According to a nineteenth aspect, the method of any one of aspects eleven to eighteen, wherein the first electroactive component is at least one of incorporated into the backbone of the polymer matrix and covalently bonded as a pendant group to the polymer chains forming the polymer matrix.

[0080] According to the twentieth aspect, the method of any one of the eleventh to nineteenth aspects, wherein the electroactive film comprises a material selected from one of polyaniline, polythiophene, polymeric metallocene, nickel oxide, vanadium oxide, tungsten oxide and iridium oxide.

[0081] It is also worth noting that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the present disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments are only schematic. Although only several embodiments of the present innovation are described in detail in the present disclosure, it will be easy for a technician in the field of the present disclosure to understand that there may be many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, size, structure, shape and proportion, parameter value, installation arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. of various elements) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject. For example, an integrally formed element may be constructed of multiple parts, or an element shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interface may be reversed or otherwise changed, the length or width of the structure and / or the member or connector or other element of the system may be changed, and the nature or number of the adjustment position between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or components of the system may be composed of any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, and may be in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the present innovation. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovation.

[0082] It should be understood that any described process or step within a described process can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting.

[0083] It will be further understood that changes and modifications may be made to the structures and methods described above without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure and it will be further understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the appended claims unless the language of such claims expressly states otherwise.

Claims

1. An electro-optical element, comprising: a first electroactive compartment comprising an electroactive membrane comprising a first electroactive component, wherein the first electroactive compartment is disposed adjacent to the first conductive layer; a second electroactive compartment disposed adjacent to the second conductive layer and comprising an electroactive solution or gel comprising a second electroactive component, and wherein the second electroactive component can change from an unactivated state to an activated state upon application of a predetermined potential across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer; and an ion selective material disposed between the first electroactive compartment and the second electroactive compartment, wherein the ion selective material is configured to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component in an activated state from the second electroactive compartment to the first electroactive compartment while allowing little or no conduction of electrons through the ion selective material and between the first electroactive compartment and the second electroactive compartment, wherein at least one of the first electroactive component and the second electroactive component is electrochromic, such that the electro-optical element is configured to reversibly attenuate a transmittance of light having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range upon application of an electrical potential across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the first electroactive component is a cathode component or an anode component and the second electroactive component is the other of a cathode component and an anode component; wherein the first electroactive component is at least one of incorporated into the main chain of the polymer matrix forming the electroactive film and covalently bonded as a side group to the polymer chain forming the polymer matrix; wherein the first electroactive component or the second electroactive component comprises at least one cathode component selected from the group consisting of viologen, viologen derivatives, methyl viologen, octyl viologen, benzyl viologen, di-acrylate viologen, di-vinyl viologen, di-vinyl ether viologen, di-epoxy viologen, di-oxetane viologen, di-hydroxy viologen, 1,1'-dialkyl-2,2'-bipyridinium, ferrocenium, substituted ferrocenium, imide, N,N'-dialkylpyromellitic imide, N,N'-dimethyl-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide, and combinations thereof; and wherein the first electroactive component or the second electroactive component comprises at least one anode component selected from the group consisting of metallocenes, 5,10-dihydrophenazine, phenothiazine, phenoxazine, carbazole, triphenodioxazine, triphenodithiazine, ferrocene, substituted ferrocene, substituted ferrocenyl salts, phenazine, substituted phenazines, substituted phenothiazines, substituted dithiazines, thianthrene, substituted thianthrene, di-tert-butyldiethylferrocene, 5,10-dimethyl-5,10 -dihydrophenazine DMP, bis(triethylaminopropyl)dihydrophenazine, 3,7,10-trimethylphenothiazine, 2,3,7,8-tetramethoxy-thianthrene, 10-methylphenothiazine, tetramethylphenazine TMP, 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)5,10-dihydrophenazine, 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]5,10-dihydrophenazine, bis(butyltriethylammonium)-p-methoxytriphenodithiazine TPDT and combinations thereof.

2. The electro-optical element of claim 1 , wherein the ion-selective material comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of derivatized polysulfones, derivatized poly(ethersulfones), derivatized poly(etherketones), derivatized benzimidazoles, derivatized polyphenylene ethers, derivatized polypropylenes, derivatized polyethylenes, derivatized polyacrylates, derivatized polymethacrylates, derivatized polyamides, derivatized polystyrenes, derivatized polyethers, derivatized poly(ethylene oxides), derivatized poly(arylene ethers), derivatized poly(tetrahydrofurans), sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene polymers, aminated polystyrene copolymers, poly(vinylpyridinium) copolymers, poly(vinylimidazolium) copolymers, and combinations thereof.

3. The electro-optical element of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of fluorine-doped tin oxide FTO, indium tin oxide ITO, doped zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide, metal oxide / Ag / metal oxide, silver nanowire coating, carbon nanotube coating, graphene coating, wire grid, conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) PEDOT, rhodium, chromium, nickel, silver, gold, and combinations thereof.

4. The electro-optical element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electroactive film comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of polyaniline, polythiophene, polymeric metallocene, nickel oxide, vanadium oxide, tungsten oxide and iridium oxide.

5. The electro-optical element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first electroactive component comprises an anode component; The second electroactive component comprises a cathode component; and The ion selective material is an anion ion exchange material.

6. An electro-optical element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first electroactive component comprises a cathode component; The second electroactive component comprises an anode component; and The ion selective material is an anion ion exchange material.

7. An electro-optical element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The first electroactive component comprises an anode component; The second electroactive component comprises a cathode component; and The ion selective material is a cationic ion exchange material.

8. A method of forming an electro-optical element, the method comprising: providing a first electroactive compartment disposed adjacent to a first conductive layer, the first electroactive compartment comprising an electroactive film comprising a first electroactive component, wherein the first conductive layer is disposed on a first substrate; providing an ion-selective material disposed on the electroactive membrane; coupling a second substrate with the first substrate to form a chamber therebetween, wherein the second substrate comprises a second conductive layer, and wherein the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are at least partially disposed within the chamber; and providing an electroactive solution or gel within the chamber to form a second electroactive compartment, wherein the electroactive solution or gel comprises a second electroactive component, and wherein the second electroactive component can change from an unactivated state to an activated state upon application of a predetermined potential across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the ion selective material is configured to inhibit diffusion of the second electroactive component in an activated state from the second electroactive compartment to the first electroactive compartment while allowing little or no conduction of electrons through the ion selective material and between the first electroactive compartment and the second electroactive compartment, wherein at least one of the first electroactive component and the second electroactive component is electrochromic, such that the electro-optical element is configured to reversibly attenuate a transmittance of light having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range upon application of an electrical potential across the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer, wherein the first electroactive component is a cathode component or an anode component and the second electroactive component is the other of a cathode component and an anode component; wherein the first electroactive component is at least one of incorporated into the main chain of the polymer matrix forming the electroactive film and covalently bonded as a side group to the polymer chain forming the polymer matrix; wherein the first electroactive component or the second electroactive component comprises at least one cathode component selected from the group consisting of viologen, viologen derivatives, methyl viologen, octyl viologen, benzyl viologen, di-acrylate viologen, di-vinyl viologen, di-vinyl ether viologen, di-epoxy viologen, di-oxetane viologen, di-hydroxy viologen, 1,1'-dialkyl-2,2'-bipyridinium, ferrocenium, substituted ferrocenium, imide, N,N'-dialkylpyromellitic imide, N,N'-dimethyl-1,4,5,8-naphthalene diimide, and combinations thereof; and wherein the first electroactive component or the second electroactive component comprises at least one anode component selected from the group consisting of metallocenes, 5,10-dihydrophenazine, phenothiazine, phenoxazine, carbazole, triphenodioxazine, triphenodithiazine, ferrocene, substituted ferrocene, substituted ferrocenyl salts, phenazine, substituted phenazines, substituted phenothiazines, substituted dithiazines, thianthrene, substituted thianthrene, di-tert-butyldiethylferrocene, 5,10-dimethyl-5,10 -dihydrophenazine DMP, bis(triethylaminopropyl)dihydrophenazine, 3,7,10-trimethylphenothiazine, 2,3,7,8-tetramethoxy-thianthrene, 10-methylphenothiazine, tetramethylphenazine TMP, 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)5,10-dihydrophenazine, 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]5,10-dihydrophenazine, bis(butyltriethylammonium)-p-methoxytriphenodithiazine TPDT and combinations thereof. 9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein coupling a second substrate to the first substrate comprises forming a seal between the first substrate and the second substrate around a perimeter of the electro-optical element.

10. The method of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein providing an electroactive solution or gel within the chamber comprises vacuum filling the chamber with a composition comprising the second electroactive component.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the composition comprising the second electroactive component is configured to form a gel.

12. The method of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the ion selective material comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of derivatized polysulfones, derivatized poly(ethersulfones), derivatized poly(etherketones), derivatized benzimidazoles, derivatized polyphenylene oxides, derivatized polypropylenes, derivatized polyethylenes, derivatized polyacrylates, derivatized polymethacrylates, derivatized polyamides, derivatized polystyrenes, derivatized polyethers, derivatized poly(ethylene oxides), derivatized poly(arylene ethers), derivatized poly(tetrahydrofurans), sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene polymers, aminated polystyrene copolymers, poly(vinylpyridinium) copolymers, poly(vinylimidazolium) copolymers, and combinations thereof.

13. The method of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein at least one of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer comprises a material selected from the group consisting of fluorine-doped tin oxide FTO, indium tin oxide ITO, doped zinc oxide, indium zinc oxide, metal oxide / Ag / metal oxide, silver nanowire coating, carbon nanotube coating, graphene coating, wire grid, conductive polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) PEDOT, rhodium, chromium, nickel, silver, gold, and combinations thereof.

14. A method according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the electroactive film comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyaniline, polythiophene, polymeric metallocene, nickel oxide, vanadium oxide, tungsten oxide and iridium oxide.

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