Multilayer Low-Current Electro-Optical Assembly

Abstract

The electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate and a second substrate disposed in a substantially parallel, spaced apart relationship to the first substrate. A first conductive layer is disposed on the first substrate and a second conductive layer is disposed on the second substrate. A cathodic electro-optic film is in contact with the second conductive layer and includes a cathodic species. An anodic electro-optic film is in contact with the first conductive layer. The anodic electro-optic film includes a plurality of anodic species mixed in a molar ratio configured to generally maintain the a* and b* values ​​of the electro-optic assembly, both of which remain between a high end transmissive state and a fully darkened state caused by an applied voltage range of -8 to 8. An electrolyte medium is disposed between the cathodic electro-optic film and the anodic electro-optic film.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates in general to electro-optic assemblies, and more specifically to electro-optic assemblies having variable transmission that maintain stable intermediate colors during and after the transmission change. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0002] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface arranged on its opposing side, and a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface arranged on its opposing side. The second substrate is arranged substantially parallel to the first substrate so that the second and third surfaces face each other. A first conductive layer is located on the second surface, and a second conductive layer is located on the third surface. A cathode electro-optic film is in contact with the second conductive layer and contains cathode species. An anode electro-optic film is in contact with the first conductive layer. The anode electro-optic film contains a plurality of anode species mixed in a molar ratio configured to generally maintain the a* and b* values ​​of the electro-optic assembly, both remaining between -8 and 8 between a high-end transmittance state and a completely dark state resulting from the applied voltage range. An electrolyte medium is located between the cathode electro-optic film and the anode electro-optic film.

[0003] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface arranged on its opposing side, and a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface arranged on its opposing side. The second substrate is arranged substantially parallel to the first substrate so that the second and third surfaces face each other. A first conductive layer is located on the second surface, and a second conductive layer is located on the third surface. A cathode electro-optic film is in contact with the second conductive layer and contains cathode species. An anode electro-optic film is in contact with the first conductive layer. The anode electro-optic film contains multiple anode species mixed in a molar ratio configured to generally maintain the a* and b* values ​​of the electro-optic assembly, both remaining between -8 and 8 between a high-end transmittance state and a completely dark state resulting from the applied voltage range. The multiple anode species include a first anode species and a second anode species, with the first anode species comprising 80% to 60% of the total molar percentage of the first and second anode species. The electrolyte medium is placed between the cathode electro-optic film and the anode electro-optic film.

[0004] These and other features, advantages, and purposes of this disclosure will be further understood and recognized by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0005] In the drawing, it is as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electro-optical assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the components of the cathode electro-optic film in an electro-optic assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the absorption spectrum of the cathode film in a dark state according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the components of an anodic electro-optic film in an electro-optic assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a first variant (unsubstituted) of an anode species that may be selected for an anode electro-optical film according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an absorption spectrum of an anode electro-optical film containing a single anode species selected from the first variant of the anode species. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an absorption spectrum of an electro-optical assembly in a darkened state, including a cathode electro-optical film and an anode electro-optical film containing an anode species selected from the first variant of the anode species. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a second variant (substituted at the 2,7 or 2,8 positions) of an anode species that may be selected for an anode electro-optical film according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an absorption spectrum of a darkened anode electro-optical film containing a single anode species selected from the second variant of the anode species. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an absorption spectrum of an electro-optical assembly in a darkened state, including a cathode electro-optical film and an anode electro-optical film containing a single anode species selected from the second variant of the anode species. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a table providing specific exemplary formulations of the anode electro-optical film and the cathode electro-optical film before deposition according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an absorption spectrum of an electro-optical assembly in a darkened state, having an anode electro-optical film with a 60% molar ratio of the first variant of the anode species and a 40% molar ratio of the second variant of the anode species, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an absorption spectrum of an electro-optical assembly having an anode electro-optical film with an 80% molar ratio of the first variant of the anode species and a 20% molar ratio of the second variant of the anode species, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a table summarizing the performance metrics of an electro-optical assembly compared to an electro-optical device having only one anode species, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]Figure 15 is a color shift graph of the transition from clear to completely dark in an electro-optic assembly according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a color shift graph of an electro-optic assembly with varying applied voltages according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a color shift graph of an electro-optic assembly in a changing transmission range according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The exemplary embodiments primarily relate to a combination of method processes and equipment components for an electro-optic assembly having variable transmission that maintains stable intermediate colors during and after the transmission change. As a result, equipment components and method processes are presented, and where appropriate, only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of this disclosure are indicated by conventional symbols in the drawings, so as not to obscure the disclosure by details that would be readily apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the description herein. Furthermore, similar figures in the description and drawings represent similar elements.

[0008] For the purposes of this specification, the terms “upper,” “downward,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” and “horizontal,” and their derivatives, refer to the disclosure as oriented in Figure 1. Unless otherwise stated, the term “front” refers to the surface of the apparatus closer to the intended observer, and the term “rear” refers to the surface of the apparatus further away from the intended observer. However, it is understood that this disclosure may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific apparatus and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the concept of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not considered limiting.

[0009] The terms “includes,” “equipment,” “contains,” or any other variation thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or equipment containing a list of elements may not only contain those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or other elements specific to such process, method, article, or equipment. An element preceded by “equipment” does not, without further restriction, exclude the existence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or equipment containing that element.

[0010] This disclosure generally relates to an electro-optic system comprising a multilayer configuration having low current requirements for maintaining a specific transmission state within a variety of different transmission states. Different transmission states are achieved by applying a specific external potential across a first and second conductive layer, which results in a change in the absorbance of the anode and cathode electro-optic films. The different transmission states remain intermediate in color during transitions between the different transmission states of the apparatus. In addition, the different transmission states remain stable over long periods when the electro-optic assembly remains in an open-circuit state. The electro-optic system comprises at least two anode types.

[0011] Referring initially to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates an electro-optical assembly (e.g., electrochromic). In various embodiments, the electro-optical assembly 10 may be implemented in a variety of other applications that may benefit from changing the transmittance of light through a window, display device, sunroof, optical filter, glasses, mirror, and one or more substrates. The embodiments shown in the drawings are generally illustrated using a flat substrate, but it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to flat substrates. The substrate may be of a flat shape, a bent shape, a curved shape, or a combination of these shapes without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The electro-optical assembly 10 includes a first substrate 12 that defines a first surface 14, a second surface 16, and a first peripheral edge 18. The first substrate 12 may be substantially transparent. The electro-optical assembly 10 also includes a second substrate 20 that defines a third surface 22, a fourth surface 24, and a second peripheral edge 26. The second substrate 20 may also be substantially transparent. The first substrate 12 and the second substrate 20 are arranged in a parallel and spaced relationship with their second surfaces 16 and third surfaces 22 facing each other so as to define a cavity 28 therebetween. The first substrate 12 and the second substrate 20 may be formed of glass (e.g., soda-lime glass or borosilicate glass), plastic, ceramic, metal, combinations thereof, and / or the like.

[0012] The electrolyte medium 30 at least partially fills the cavity 28. The electrolyte medium 30 includes an ion-conductive material such as an electrolyte, other non-gelling electrolytes, and a solvent containing an electrolyte gel or solid. The electrolyte may include an ionic salt for ionic conductivity, may have cations of tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, tetrabutylammonium, and F - 、Cl - 、Br - 、I - 、BF4 - 、PF6 - 、SbF6 - 、AsF6 - 、ClO4 - 、SO3CF3 -, N(CF3SO2)2 - , C(CF3SO2)3 - , N(SO2C2F5)2 - Al(OC(CF3)3)4 - , BAr4 - The anion or counterion may be selected from the group comprising, or a mixture of those anions, where Ar is an aryl group or a fluorinated aryl group. In some embodiments, the anion is PF6 - and / or SO3CF3 - The anion is selected from the group including the following. In non-limiting examples, the anion may be tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate, and / or other ionic conductive substances such as polymer binders, solvents, plasticizers, and UV stabilizers. The first conductive layer 32 may be located on the second surface 16 of the first substrate 12, and the second conductive layer 34 may be located on the third surface 22 of the second substrate 20. In other words, the first conductive layer 32 and the second conductive layer 34 may be located on the internal surfaces of the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 20 facing the cavity 28. The first conductive layer 32 and the second conductive layer 34 may be formed of a conductive transparent material. Conductive oxides such as transparent metal oxides (e.g., indium tin oxide ("ITO"), tin oxide ("SnO2"), zinc oxide ("ZnO"), indium zinc oxide ("IZO")), intermetallic-metal-intermetallic (IMI) structures, carbon (graphene and / or graphite), and / or conductive metal meshes (e.g., nanowires).

[0013] The electric bus 36 may include segments that advance at least partially along the peripheral edges of the cavity 28 on the first conductive layer 32 and the second conductive layer 34. For example, the electric bus 36 may include conductive adhesives, tapes, and / or similar materials that have a higher conductivity than one or both of the first conductive layer 32 and the second conductive layer 34. The electric bus 36 may include segments fixed on the inner surfaces of the first conductive layer 32 and / or the second conductive layer 34 (e.g., surfaces facing the cavity 28), or the electric bus 36 may include segments fixed on the outer surfaces of the first conductive layer 32 and / or the second conductive layer 34 (e.g., surfaces facing away from the cavity 28). In some cases, the electric bus 36 may include segments that traverse the entire outer peripheral portion of the cavity 28 on the first conductive layer 32 and segments that traverse the entire outer peripheral portion of the cavity 28 on the second conductive layer 34. In some cases, the electric bus 36 segment may be localized to one or more alternative locations. The first peripheral edge 18 of the first substrate 12 and the second peripheral edge 26 of the second substrate 20 do not need to be precisely aligned, so that the first substrate 12 defines a first overhang 38 extending beyond the second peripheral edge 26, and the second substrate 20 defines a second overhang 40 extending beyond the first peripheral edge 18. In some embodiments, the first conductive layer 32 may extend along a portion of the first overhang 38, and the electric bus 36 segment may be at least partially located on the first conductive layer 32 above the first overhang 38. In some embodiments, the second conductive layer 34 may extend along a portion of the second overhang 40, and the electric bus 36 segment may be at least partially located on the second conductive layer 34 above the second overhang 40. However, naturally, in some embodiments, the base materials 12 and 20 may be aligned (i.e., without the protruding portions 38 and 40).

[0014] The seal 42 may include substantially continuous lines that outline the periphery of the cavity 28 so as to keep the electrolyte medium 30, the anode electro-optic film 44, and the cathode electro-optic film 46 facing inward between the first substrate 12 and the second substrate 20. The seal 42 may have a sealing medium such as epoxy, acrylic, and / or similar. The seal 42 may be located inward from the electric bus 36. In other words, the first conductive layer 32 and / or the second conductive layer 34 may include outer peripheral edges that extend beyond the seal 42. For example, the seal 42 may be located inside both the first protrusion 38 and the second protrusion 40 and spaced inward from the electric bus 36. However, naturally, in other arrangements, the seal 42 may substantially cover the electric bus 36 and / or be aligned with the electric bus 36, or be located elsewhere.

[0015] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, the electro-optic assembly 10 further includes an anode electro-optic film 44 and a cathode electro-optic film 46. The anode electro-optic film 44 is located on (e.g., in contact with) the inner surface of the first conductive layer 32, thereby interacting with the electrolyte medium 30. The cathode electro-optic film 46 is located on (e.g., in contact with) the inner surface of the second conductive layer 34, thereby similarly interacting with the electrolyte medium 30. In other words, the electrolyte medium 30 may be sandwiched between both the anode electro-optic film 44 and the cathode electro-optic film 46. The anode electro-optic film 44 and the cathode electro-optic film 46 may be deposited on the first conductive layer 32 and the second conductive layer 34 by any number of processes. For example, the anode electro-optic film 44 and the cathode electro-optic film 46 may be formed by depositing them on conductive layer 32, 34 materials together with a coating solvent, leveling agent, and / or similar to form an electro-optic film (e.g., a memory electro-optic film). The anode electro-optic film 44 and the cathode electro-optic film 46 are configured to provide a substantially intermediate color optical switch between a changing transmission state and a completely dark state. For example, the anode electro-optic film 44 may include a plurality of anode species (i.e., oxidized portions), including at least a first and a second anode species. Generally, the embodiments disclosed herein include at least two anode species and cathode species for at least three species in total. In various embodiments, the anode species and cathode species have absorption spectra that change when electrically activated, thereby causing the color of the electro-optic assembly 10 to remain intermediate and stable throughout the changing transmission state when assembled.

[0016] The changing transmission is due to one electron per cathode reduction or one electron per anode oxidation, which occurs in conjunction with changes from a high transmission state (e.g., a clear state in the range of approximately 40-95%) or from a relatively clear and colorless state to a low transmission state or a completely dark state (e.g., a dark state in the range of approximately 0.001-30% or 0.001-10%). Generally, the total number of anodes oxidized should be less than or equal to the total number of cathodes. To maintain a pre-selected perceived color during the darkening and clearing transitions, all anodes should have similar redox potentials to each other, and all cathodes should have similar redox potentials to each other. The redox potentials of each anode may be less than or equal to 200mV from each other, for example, less than 150mV, less than 100mV, or less than 50mV, in order to maintain intermediate color stability between transmission states.

[0017] In various embodiments, the anode electro-optic film 44 may include a polymer matrix film, and the anode species are bonded to the polymer matrix film and the surfaces trapped therein. In various embodiments, the cathode electro-optic film 46 may include a polymer matrix film, and the cathode species are bonded to the polymer matrix film and the surfaces trapped therein. Numerous optional cathode species contain viologens densely concentrated in the polymer matrix film, making it difficult to obtain intermediate coloration as a result of viologen dimerization, often switching the red hue (a* positive) of the cathode electro-optic film 46 to electrochemical reduction. Intermediate coloration is partially achieved by mixing two or more ratios of the anode species. Intermediateness is also achieved by maintaining an excess molar concentration of the cathode species higher than that of the anode species. The selected species and the ratios between species correlate with the degree of intermediateness throughout the transmission change. The anode and cathode species may be mixed in a solvent before deposition. Thus, the anode electro-optic film 44 may be a homogeneous layer having two or more anode species of uniform concentration, and the cathode electro-optic film 46 may be a homogeneous layer having cathode species of uniform concentration. Naturally, in some embodiments, two or more electro-optic assemblies 10 may be stacked, and the two or more electro-optic assemblies 10 combined will contain at least three or at least four species, including at least two anode species and cathode species (not shown).

[0018] In considering color, it is useful to refer to the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage's (CIE) 1976 CIELAB Chromaticity Diagram (commonly referred to as the L*a*b* chart), as generally shown by the a* and b* values in FIGS. 15 - 17. In the L*a*b* chart, L* defines lightness, a* indicates a red / green value, and b* indicates a yellow / blue value. The electro-optical assembly 10 has an absorption spectrum at each particular voltage that may be converted to a three-digit specification, its L*a*b* values. As considered herein, when the electro-optical assembly 10 changes from the application of an applied voltage to a completely dark state, the term "intermediate color" may be defined as an a* value maintained between -8 and 8, for example, between -6 and 6, -6 < a* < 6, between -5 and 5, -5 < a* < 5, between -4 and 4, or -4 < a* < 4 or less, and an b* value maintained between -8 and 8, for example, between -6 and 6, -6 < b* < 6, between -5 and 5, -5 < b* < 5, between -4 and 4, or -4 < b* < 4 or less. These values may also be maintained over an applied voltage range (e.g., from a low transmission state to a high transmission state, from a high transmission state to a low transmission state, and / or an intermediate transmission state). Further, it is important for the electro-optical assembly 10 to exhibit color stability. Color stability is the change in color as a function of time. Put another way, color stability may be defined as a particular range of total color shift of the a* and b* values as the electro-optical assembly 10 changes from a completely clear high transmission state, including intermediate states, to a completely dark state, or vice versa (e.g., from a low transmission state to a high transmission state). Thus, color stability may be defined as a total color shift of the a* value between -10 and -10, for example, between -8 and 8 or -8 < a* < 8, and a total color shift of the b* value between -10 and -10, for example, between -8 and 8 or -8 < b* < 8, from the application of an applied voltage or applied voltage range.

[0019] Once a transparent state is achieved, the electro-optic assembly 10 has memory, which allows the color to remain stable at an intermediate color for an extended period, even when the electro-optic assembly 10 is left in an open-circuit state, or until the voltage reverses or the system shorts out. During operation, electron injection (reduction) in the cathode and electron removal (oxidation) in the anode are localized to individual films (e.g., anode electro-optic film 44 and cathode electro-optic film 46), and the opposite charges cannot be recombined due to the separation of the cathode and anode into two separate layers by the electrolyte medium 30. Changes in charge in each layer or film from electron injection and removal (cathode and anode, respectively) are offset by the movement of electrolyte counterions between the two layers or films. Tests have shown that the electro-optic assembly 10 can remain in a pre-selected transparent state with an intermediate color for several weeks. The applied voltage range may be associated with a low draw current range resulting from the applied voltage or open-circuit potential. Therefore, the electro-optic assembly 10 may have low draw current range requirements. The low current range may be defined as less than 1 microampere per square centimeter.

[0020] Referring here to Figures 1 to 8, various examples of materials are provided for the electrolyte medium 30, the anode electro-optic film 44, and the cathode electro-optic film 46. In the provided examples, the anode electro-optic film 44 includes multiple anode species, including a first anode species and a second anode species, and the cathode electro-optic film 46 includes at least one cathode species. However, naturally, the examples of materials are in essence illustrative, and a wide variety of alternative materials may be substituted and synthesized to provide similar intermediate color and stability to those examples provided below.

[0021] Continuing with reference to Figures 1 to 8, examples of materials for the electrolyte medium 30 are provided according to various embodiments. The electrolyte medium 30 may be formed as an electrolyte membrane and / or gel comprising a first electrolyte salt 48, an electrolyte crosslinking agent 50 (i.e., the first crosslinking agent), an electrolyte polymer 52, and an electrolyte solvent 54. In some embodiments, the first electrolyte salt 48 may include cations of tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, or tetrabutylammonium, and F - Cl - , Br - , I - BF4 - PF6 - SbF6 - AsF6 - ClO4 - , SO3CF3 - , N(CF3SO2)2 - , C(CF3SO2)3 - , N(SO2C2F5)2, Al(OC(CF3)3)4 - , BAr4 - The anion may be an anion selected from the group including, or a mixture of those anions, where Ar is an aryl group or a fluorinated aryl group. In some embodiments, the anion is PF6 - Or SO3CF3 -Selected from the group including the following. For example, the anion may be tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate. The electrolyte crosslinking agent 50 may be one or more polyisocyanates, selected from the group including, for example, hexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanate, isocyanurate trimers, torylene-2,4-diisocyanate, 4,4'-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate), and polymers of hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate (Covestro N3300A, Desmodur RC, Vestanat T1890 / 100, and Desmodur Light); the electrolyte polymer 52 may be a polyol copolymer having a molar ratio of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate to methyl acrylate of 1 / 20 to 1 / 5; and the electrolyte solvent 54 may be selected from the group consisting of propylene carbonate, acetonitrile, γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone, or 3-methoxypropionitrile, but is not limited thereto. In the electro-optic assembly 10, the electrolyte salt 48 flows between the anode electro-optic film 44 and the cathode electro-optic film 46 to balance the charge difference caused by electrons flowing in or out from the first conductive layer 32 and the second conductive layer 34 to the cathode film 44 and the anode film 46. The electrolyte crosslinking agent 50 forms a bond (i.e., a covalent bond) between the electrolyte crosslinking agent 50 and the electrolyte polymer 52. Each of the first electrolyte salt 48, the electrolyte crosslinking agent 50, and the electrolyte polymer 52 may initially be deposited in the electrolyte solvent 54, so that the electrolyte medium 30 is a homogeneous mixture. As will be described in more detail below, the electrolyte medium 30 may be backfilled into the cavity 28 after the seal 42 has been deposited and cured.

[0022] Referring here to Figure 2, examples of materials for the cathode electro-optic film 46 are provided according to various embodiments. The cathode electro-optic film 46 may be formed using a polymer matrix film containing a crosslinking agent 56 (i.e., a second crosslinking agent), a cathode redox buffer 58, and a first cathode species 60. The crosslinking agent 56 comprises a polyisocyanate (e.g., an isocyanurate trimer of hexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanate, also referred to herein as "HDT"). The cathode redox buffer 58 comprises octamethyl dihexanol ferrocinium BF4 salt, and the cathode species is a viologen-type chromophore 60 N,N'-bis(6-hydroxyhexyl)-4,4'-bipyridinium di(bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide) or 1,1'-bis(hexanol)-4,4'-dipyridinium (NTF)2. During curing, the crosslinking agent 56 forms urethane bonds (i.e., covalent bonds) between the molecules of the cathode species 60. The cathode redox buffer 58 stabilizes the cathode electro-optic film 46 during the redox reaction of the electro-optic assembly 10 by providing long-term thermal and cyclic testing. Figure 3 illustrates the absorption spectrum of the cathode film 46 in a darkened state. Naturally, other cathode species with similar absorption spectra and redox potentials may be substituted, and additional materials such as solvents (e.g., propylene carbonate, acetonitrile, γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone, or 3-methoxypropionitrile), surfactants (e.g., TEGO Glide 410), and urethane catalysts (e.g., dibutyltin diacetate) may be incorporated into the cathode electro-optic film 46 before or after deposition.

[0023] Referring here to Figure 4, examples of materials for the anode electro-optic film 44 are provided according to various embodiments. The anode electro-optic film 44 may be formed using a polymer matrix film containing a crosslinking agent 62, an anodic oxidation-reduction buffer 64, a first variant (unsubstituted) or "variant 1" anode species 66, and a second variant (substituted) or "variant 2" anode species 68. The crosslinking agent 62 includes one or more polyisocyanates (e.g., isocyanurate trimer of hexamethylene 1,6-diisocyanate, torylene-2,4-diisocyanate, 4,4'-methylenebis(phenylisocyanate), polymer of hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate, Covestro N3300A, Desmodur RC, Vestat T1890 / 100, and Desmodur MR Mondur Light). The anodic oxidation-reduction buffer 64 contains octamethyldihexanolferrocene, the first anode species 66 contains a material selected from the first group of anode species, and the second anode species 68 contains a material selected from the second group of anode species. In the electro-optic assembly 10, the crosslinking agent 62 forms urethane bonds (i.e., covalent bonds) between the molecules of the first anode species 66 and the molecules of the second anode species 68. The anodic oxidation-reduction buffer 64 consumes any excess oxidizing species in the electro-optic assembly 10, which extends the operating life of the electro-optic assembly 10 in thermal and cyclic tests. On the other hand, the cathodic oxidation-reduction buffer 58 consumes excess reducing species in the electro-optic assembly 10, which further extends the life of the electro-optic assembly 10. Naturally, other anode species having similar absorption spectra may be substituted, and additional materials such as solvents (e.g., propylene carbonate and / or 3-methoxypropionitrile), surfactants (e.g., TEGO Glide 410), and urethane catalysts (e.g., dibutyltin diacetate) may be incorporated into the anode electro-optic film 44 before or after deposition.

[0024] Referring now to Figure 5, in some embodiments, the anode type 66 of variant 1 is: (a) A first anode species 66A of Variant 1 comprising a 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine structure having R1 and R2 as alkyl chains, or an alkyl chain having a dimethylammonio group as a chain and a hydroxyl terminal group; (b) The second anode species of Variant 1, 66B, containing 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]-5,10-dihydrophenazine having a counterion represented by "X"; (c) The third anode species of Variant 1, 66C, contains 5,10-bis(6-hydroxyhexyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine; (d) A fourth anode species of Variant 1, 66D, comprising 5,10-bis(3-hydroxypropyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, may be selected from one or more of the following first group of anode species.

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates the absorption spectrum of a darkened anode electro-optic film 44 containing a single anode species selected from the variant 1 anode species over varying wavelengths within the electro-optic assembly 10. In this embodiment, the variant 1 anode species includes 66B(X=PF6). Figure 7 illustrates the absorption spectra over the visible spectrum of a darkened electro-optic assembly 10 containing the anode electro-optic film 44 and cathode electro-optic film 46 containing a single variant 1 compound including anode species 66B(X=PF6). Naturally, other anode species with similar absorption spectra and redox potentials may be substituted.

[0026] Referring now to Figure 8, in some embodiments, the anode species 68 of variant 2 is: (a) The first anode species 68A of Variant 2, comprising an alkyl chain having R1 and R2, 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-2,7-di(alkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, or an alkyl chain having a chain and hydroxyl terminal group, as well as dimethylammonio groups in the R3 and R4 alkyl groups; (b) A second anode species (68B) of variant 2 comprising 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-2,8-di(alkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine having R1 and R2 as alkyl chains, or an alkyl chain having a hydroxyl terminal group and dimethylammonio groups in the R3 and R4 alkyl groups; (c) The third anode species of variant 2, 68C, contains 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]2,7-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine having a counterion indicated by X-; (d) The fourth anode species of Variant 2, 68D, containing 5,10-bis(6-hydroxyhexyl)-2,7-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine; (e) A fifth anode species of variant 2, 68E, comprising 5,10-bis(3-hydroxypropyl)-2,7-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, may be selected from one or more of the following second group of anode species.

[0027] Figure 9 illustrates the absorption spectrum of a darkened anode electro-optic film 44 containing a single anode species selected from the variant 2 anode species over varying wavelengths. In this embodiment, the variant 2 compound contains 68C(X=PF6). Figure 10 illustrates the absorption spectrum over the visible spectrum of a darkened electro-optic assembly 10 containing the anode electro-optic film 44 and cathode electro-optic film 46 containing a single variant 2 anode compound containing 68C(X=PF6). Naturally, other anode species with similar absorption spectra and redox potentials may be substituted.

[0028] Figure 11 provides specific examples of formulations of the anode electro-optic film 44 and cathode electro-optic film 46 before deposition. The formulation provides weight % of each component, with the first anode species 66 comprising approximately 60% by weight of the total weight of the first anode species 66 and the second anode species 68, which corresponds to a 65% molar ratio between the first anode species 66 and the second anode species 68. Figure 12 provides the absorption spectrum of the electro-optic assembly 10 using 40% second anode species 68 to a 60% molar ratio of the first anode species 66. However, naturally, other molar ratios of the first anode species 66 and the second anode species 68 may be used. For example, the first anode species 66 may include molar ratios of 90% or less, 80% or less, e.g., 70% or less, 60% or more by weight, 50% or more, 70% to 60%, about 65%, 65%, or 62% to 68%. Figure 13 provides an absorption spectrum in which the first anode species 66 comprises approximately 80% of the total moles of the first anode species 66 and the second anode species 68. Notably, the concentration of the first cathode species 60 should be substantially uniform across the cathode electro-optic film 46, which may be achieved by depositing the components of the cathode electro-optic film 46 into a solvent to form a homogeneous mixture before deposition on the second conductive layer 34. Similarly, notably, the molar ratio of the first anode species 66 to the second anode species 68 should be substantially uniform across the anode electro-optic film 44, which may be achieved by depositing the components of the anode electro-optic film 44 into a solvent to form a homogeneous mixture before deposition on the first conductive layer 32.

[0029] Figure 14 provides a table summarizing performance indicators, which are obtained and compared at a voltage varying from 0.4 to 0.7 V from three types of electro-optical assemblies 10. However, generally speaking, the varying voltage (i.e., applied voltage range) may be any of 0.0 V to 1.0 V. The first apparatus has only the second anode type 66B of variant 1, which contains (5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]-5,10-dihydrophenazinebis(hexafluorophosphate), (X=PF6)). The second apparatus has only the third anode type 68C of variant 2, which contains (5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]2,7-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazinebis(hexafluorophosphate)(X=PF6)). The third electro-optic assembly in Figure 14 has an anode film with a molar ratio of 65:35 between the variant 1 anode and the variant 2 anode, 66B(X=PF6):68C(X=PF6). Unsurprisingly, the third electro-optic assembly in Figure 14 exhibits much smaller shifts in both a* and b* over the applied voltage, while maintaining a similar transmission state.

[0030] Figure 15 provides a color shift graph of the transition from clear to completely dark, where the indices are derived from three electro-optic assemblies 10 from Figure 14. Unsurprisingly, electro-optic assembly 10 contains anode species 66B(X=PF6):68C(X=PF6) with a molar ratio of 65:35, exhibiting much smaller color shifts for both a* and b* during the transition and in the completely dark state.

[0031] Figure 16 provides another color shift graph of the third electro-optic assembly 10 of Figure 14 across various applied voltages. The color shift graph for the intermediate dark state, where the index is obtained from electro-optic assembly 10 having a molar ratio of anode species 66B(X=PF6):68C(X=PF6) of 65:35. Electro-optic assembly 10 remains within a narrow color range even in the intermediate and completely dark states.

[0032] Figure 17 provides another embodiment of the color deviation of a 10% low-end transparent component, maintaining color in the 86%–10% transmittance range. The electro-optic assembly 10 contains an anode mixture with a molar ratio of anode species 66B(X=SO3CF3):68C(X=SO3CF3) of 65:35. The electro-optic assembly 10 maintains the -4–4 color of a* and b* throughout the transition of the device from clear to dark (1) and back to clear (2). The arrows indicate the direction from clear to dark for curve (1) and the direction from dark to clear for curve (2).

[0033] This disclosure also provides a method for assembling an electro-optic assembly 10. The method includes coating a cathode electro-optic film 46 onto a second substrate 20 using a Meyer rod. The method may further include flattening the cathode electro-optic film 46 to obtain a uniform coating thickness over the second substrate 20. The method may further include curing the cathode electro-optic film 46 (for example, in an oven at 60°C). The method may also include removing the edges of the cathode electro-optic film 46 and then observing the cathode electro-optic film 46 for uniform thickness (for example, via a readable machine). The method may further include coating a first substrate 12 with an anode electro-optic film 44. The method may also include additional steps for the anode electro-optic film similar to those described above with respect to the cathode electro-optic film. The method may further include placing a seal 42 around the periphery of the anode electro-optic film 44 and the cathode electro-optic film 46, and curing the partially assembled electro-optic assembly 10 (for example, in an oven at 60°C). The method may also include depositing the electrolyte medium 30 into the cavity 28. The method may further include curing the assembled electro-optic assembly 10 (for example, in an oven).

[0034] The present invention disclosed herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and further characterized by any combination of the various embodiments described herein.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface arranged on its opposing side, and a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface arranged on its opposing side. The second substrate is arranged substantially parallel to the first substrate so that the second and third surfaces face each other. A first conductive layer is located on the second surface, and a second conductive layer is located on the third surface. A cathode electro-optic film is in contact with the second conductive layer and contains cathode species. An anode electro-optic film is in contact with the first conductive layer. The anode electro-optic film contains a plurality of anode species mixed in a molar ratio configured to generally maintain the a* and b* values ​​of the electro-optic assembly, both remaining between -8 and 8 between a high-end transmittance state and a completely dark state resulting from the applied voltage range. An electrolyte medium is located between the cathode electro-optic film and the anode electro-optic film.

[0036] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the multiple anode species include a first anode species and a second anode species, the first anode species comprising 80% to 60% of the total of the first anode species and the second anode species.

[0037] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the first anode species is selected from the group of anode species variant 1 (unsubstituted), which comprises unsubstituted phenazine compounds. The group of anode species variant 1 (unsubstituted) includes a) 5,10-bis[(hydroxyalkyldimethylammonio)alkyl]-5,10-dihydrophenazine and b) 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine.

[0038] In another aspect of this disclosure, the first anode species is selected from the group of variant 1 (unsubstituted) anode species comprising a) 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]-5,10-dihydrophenazine and b) 5,10-bis(6-hydroxyhexyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the second anode species is selected from the group of anode species variant 2 (substituted), which comprises a substituted alkyl group at the 2 and 7 or 2 and 8 positions of the unsubstituted phenazine compound. The group of anode species variant 2 (substituted) includes a) 5,10-bis[(hydroxyalkyldimethylammonio)alkyl]2,7-bis(alkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, b) 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-2,7-bis(alkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, c) 5,10-bis[(hydroxyalkyldimethylammonio)alkyl]2,8-bis(alkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, and d) 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-2,8-bis(alkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine.

[0040] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the second anode species is selected from the group of anode species variant 2 (substituted), which comprises a substituted butyl group at the 2 and 7 or 2 and 8 positions of the unsubstituted phenazine compound. The group of anode species variant 2 (substituted) includes a) 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]2,7-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, b) 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]2,8-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, c) 5,10-bis(6-hydroxyhexyl)-2,7-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, and d) 5,10-bis(6-hydroxyhexyl)-2,8-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine.

[0041] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the phenazine compound is F - Cl - , Br - , I - BF4 - PF6 - SbF6 - AsF6 - ClO4 - , SO3CF3 - , N(CF3SO2)2 - , C(CF3SO2)3 -, N(SO2C2F5)2 - Al(OC(CF3)3)4 - , BAr4 - PF6 - An ammonium salt having an anion containing at least one of , and SO3CF3, or a mixture thereof, where Ar is an aryl or fluorinated aryl group.

[0042] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the cathode electro-optic film contains cathode species crosslinking agent binding molecules within a polymer matrix.

[0043] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, the anode electro-optic film includes a crosslinking agent that binds molecules of a first anode species and molecules of a second anode species into a polymer matrix.

[0044] In another aspect of this disclosure, the applied voltage range is 0.0V to 1.0V.

[0045] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the transmission state of the electro-optic assembly changes from at least 75% in a high-end transmission state to less than 30% in a completely dark state.

[0046] In other aspects of this disclosure, the first anode species and the second anode species each include a first redox potential in the range of 200 mV.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the molar ratio is further configured to maintain a total color deviation of both a* and b* values ​​between -8 and 8 throughout the entire applied voltage range.

[0048] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the molar ratio is further configured to maintain a total color deviation of both a* and b* values ​​between -6 and 6 throughout the entire applied voltage range.

[0049] According to yet another aspect of this disclosure, the molar ratio is further configured to maintain a total color deviation of both a* and b* values ​​between -4 and 4 throughout the entire applied voltage range.

[0050] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the cathode electro-optic film contains a crosslinking agent, the anode electro-optic film contains a crosslinking agent, and the electrolyte medium contains an electrolyte crosslinking agent and an electrolyte polymer.

[0051] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the cathode species is a viologen.

[0052] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface arranged on its opposing side, and a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface arranged on its opposing side. The second substrate is arranged substantially parallel to the first substrate so that the second and third surfaces face each other. A first conductive layer is located on the second surface, and a second conductive layer is located on the third surface. A cathode electro-optic film is in contact with the second conductive layer and contains cathode species. An anode electro-optic film is in contact with the first conductive layer. The anode electro-optic film contains multiple anode species mixed in a molar ratio configured to generally maintain the a* and b* values ​​of the electro-optic assembly, both remaining between -8 and 8 between a high-end transmittance state and a completely dark state resulting from the applied voltage range. The multiple anode species include a first anode species and a second anode species, with the first anode species comprising 80% to 60% of the total molar percentage of the first and second anode species. The electrolyte medium is placed between the cathode electro-optic film and the anode electro-optic film.

[0053] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first anode species comprises 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]-5,10-dihydrophenazine having a counterion.

[0054] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the second anode species comprises 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]2,7-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine having a counterion.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will understand that the described disclosures and the structures of other components are not limited to any particular material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosures disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials unless otherwise stated herein.

[0056] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all its forms, such as “couple,” “coupling,” and “coupled”) generally means the connection (electrical or mechanical) of two components, either directly or indirectly. Such connections may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such connections may be achieved using two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members, either together or between the two components, formed integrally as a single, indivisible object. Such connections may be permanent in nature or detachable or releaseable in nature, unless otherwise specified.

[0057] It is also important to note that the structure and arrangement of the elements of this disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are for illustrative purposes only. While this disclosure has described in detail only a few embodiments of the innovation, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that numerous modifications (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, parameter values, installation arrangements, material use, color, orientation, etc.) are possible without substantially deviating from the novel teachings and merits of the detailed subject matter. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed; the operation of the interface may be reversed or otherwise altered; the structure of the system and / or the length or width of members or connectors or other elements may be altered; or the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between elements may be altered. Notably, the elements and / or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, and from any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. As a result, all such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this innovation. Without deviating from the spirit of this innovation, other substitutions, modifications, changes, and deletions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of desired and other exemplary embodiments.

[0058] Naturally, any described process or step within a described process may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form a structure within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are illustrative and not limiting.

[0059] Naturally, variations and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of this disclosure, and it is understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless otherwise expressly stated in the language of those claims.

Claims

1. An electro-optical assembly, A first substrate having a first surface and a second surface positioned on its opposing side, A second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface positioned on the opposite side thereof, the second substrate being positioned substantially parallel to and separated from the first substrate so that the second surface and the third surface face each other, A first conductive layer disposed on the second surface, A second conductive layer disposed on the third surface, A cathode electro-optic film that is in contact with the second conductive layer and contains a cathode species, An anodic electro-optic film in contact with the first conductive layer, comprising a plurality of anode species including a first anode species and a second anode species, wherein the plurality of anode species are mixed in a molar ratio configured to generally maintain the a* and b* values ​​of the electro-optic assembly, both remaining between -8 and 8 between a high-end transmittance state and a completely dark state resulting from the applied voltage range, The system comprises an electrolyte medium disposed between the cathode electro-optic film and the anode electro-optic film, The first anode species is selected from the group of anode species variant 1, and the group of anode species variant 1 is, (a) 5,10-bis[(hydroxyalkyldimethylammonio)alkyl]-5,10-dihydrophenazine, (b) 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, (c) 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]-5,10-dihydrophenazine, (d) 5,10-bis(6-hydroxyhexyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, Includes an electro-optical assembly.

2. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first anode species comprises 80% to 60% of the total of the first anode species and the second anode species in molar percentage.

3. The second anode species is selected from the group of anode species variant 2 (substituted), which includes alkyl groups substituted at positions 2 and 7, or 2 and 8, of the unsubstituted phenazine compound, and the group of anode species variant 2 (substituted) is, (a) 5,10-bis[(hydroxyalkyldimethylammonio)alkyl]2,7-bis(alkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, (b) 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-2,7-bis(alkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, (c) 5,10-bis[(hydroxyalkyldimethylammonio)alkyl]2,8-bis(alkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, (d) The electro-optic assembly according to claim 2, comprising 5,10-bis(hydroxyalkyl)-2,8-bis(alkyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine.

4. The phenazine compound is F - , Cl - , Br - , I - , BF 4 - , PF 6 - , SbF 6 - , AsF 6 - , ClO 4 - , SO 3 CF 3 - , N(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 - , C(CF 3 SO 2 ) 3 - , N(SO 2 C 2 F 5 ) 2 , Al(OC(CF 3 ) 3 ) 4 - , BAr 4 - , PF 6 - , and an ammonium salt having an anion containing at least one of SO3CF3, or a mixture of its anions, wherein Ar is an aryl or fluorinated aryl group, the electro-optical assembly according to claim 3.

5. The second anode species is selected from the group of anode species variant 2 (substituted), which includes a butyl group substituted at positions 2 and 7, or 2 and 8, of an unsubstituted phenazine compound, and the group of anode species variant 2 (substituted) is, (a) 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]2,7-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, (b) 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]2,8-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, (c) 5,10-bis(6-hydroxyhexyl)-2,7-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine, (d) The electro-optic assembly according to claim 2, comprising 5,10-bis(6-hydroxyhexyl)-2,8-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine.

6. The phenazine compound is F - Cl - , Br - , I - BF 4 - , PF 6 - SbF 6 - AsF 6 - , 4 - , SO 3 CF 3 - , N(CF 3 SO 2 ) 2 - , C(CF 3 SO 2 ) 3 - , N(SO 2 C 2 F 5 ) 2 , Al(OC(CF 3 ) 3 ) 4 - , BAR 4 - , PF 6 - The electro-optic assembly according to claim 5, which is an ammonium salt having an anion comprising at least one of SO3CF3, and SO3CF3, or a mixture thereof, wherein Ar is an aryl or fluorinated aryl group.

7. The electro-optic assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cathode electro-optic film contains the cathode type crosslinking agent binding molecule within the polymer matrix.

8. The electro-optic assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the anode electro-optic film contains the crosslinking agent binding molecules of the first anode species and the molecules of the second anode species within a polymer matrix.

9. The electro-optical assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the applied voltage range is 0.0V to 1.0V.

10. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 1, wherein the transmittance of the electro-optic assembly changes from at least 75% in the high-end transmittance state to less than 30% in the completely dark state.

11. The electro-optic assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first anode species and the second anode species each include a first oxidation-reduction potential in the range of 200 mV.

12. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio is further configured to maintain a total color deviation of both the a* and b* values ​​being -8 to 8 throughout the entire applied voltage range.

13. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 12, wherein the molar ratio is further configured to maintain the total color deviation of both the a* and b* values ​​being -6 to 6 throughout the entire applied voltage range.

14. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 13, wherein the molar ratio is further configured to maintain the total color deviation of both the a* and b* values ​​being -4 to 4 throughout the entire applied voltage range.

15. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anode electro-optic film contains a first crosslinking agent, the cathode electro-optic film contains a second crosslinking agent, and the electrolyte medium contains an electrolyte crosslinking agent and an electrolyte polymer.

16. The electro-optic assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cathode species is viologen.

17. An electro-optical assembly, A first substrate having a first surface and a second surface positioned on its opposing side, A second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface positioned on the opposite side thereof, the second substrate being positioned substantially parallel to and separated from the first substrate so that the second surface and the third surface face each other, A first conductive layer disposed on the second surface, A second conductive layer disposed on the third surface, A cathode electro-optic film that is in contact with the second conductive layer and contains a cathode species, An anodic electro-optic film in contact with the first conductive layer, comprising a plurality of anode species, wherein both anode species are mixed in a molar ratio configured to generally maintain the a* and b* values ​​of the electro-optic assembly, such that they remain between -8 and 8 between a high-end transmittance state and a completely dark state resulting from the applied voltage range. The plurality of anodes include a first anode and a second anode, wherein the first anode contains 80% to 60% of the total mole percentage of the first anode and the second anode, The system comprises an electrolyte medium disposed between the cathode electro-optic film and the anode electro-optic film, An electro-optical assembly in which the second anode species comprises 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]2,7-di(tert-butyl)-5,10-dihydrophenazine.

18. The electro-optical assembly according to claim 17, wherein the first anode species comprises 5,10-bis[4-(3-hydroxypropyldimethylammonio)butyl]-5,10-dihydrophenazine having a counterion.

19. The electro-optic assembly according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the second anode species includes a counterion.

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