A multimode switchable glazing, a system and method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed in the present invention a multimode switchable glazing (100), system (200) and a method thereof In the switchable glazing comprises provided are two electrodes (103, 104) being coated with electrochromic active materials, with one electrode being placed on the second face (f2) of the first substrate (101) and the other electrode being placed on the third face (f3) of the second substrate (102). It comprises an ionic conducting interlayer (105), sandwiched between said first and second substrates (101, 102), adapted to facilitate ion shuttling upon application voltage to the electrodes (103, 104). The electrodes (103, 104) and ionic conducting interlayer (105) are configured to facilitate high coloration efficiency to the glazing and to exhibit at least three modes of operation. The solution overall enhances the performance of the electrochromic based switchable glazing.

Description

[0001] A MULTIMODE SWITCHABLE GLAZING, A SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of switchable glazing, particularly, this disclosure relates to a laminated glazing having multiple modes switchable functionalities and more particularly it to an electrochromic laminated glazing.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0006] Known in the art are electrochromic materials that are a family of ‘smart materials’ which can change their optical properties under the application of an electric voltage. The tunable optical properties of electrochromic materials directly reflect in the light and heat transmission properties of the surface, leading to lighting parameters, cooling, aesthetics, and glare reduction. Again, it is known to one skilled in the art that glazing refers to any and all the glass or similar material within a structure or the installation of any piece of glass or the similar material within a sash or frame. The glass windows of an automobile are referred to as glazing. For laminated glazing, two or more layers of glass or a similar material, are fused together with an interlayer in the middle. The fusion is completed with pressure and heat, and it prevents the sheets of glass or the similar material from breaking. While some pieces of glass or the similar material might end up breaking into larger pieces, those pieces will stay together with the help of the interlayer, making it shatterproof. Windshield or windscreen, backlite, sidelite, quaterlite, sunroof etc., are regarded as some instances of glazing in a vehicle. With the current advent and demand of smart glazing in automotive applications, it has been found that there is a requirement of bringing forth both aesthetics and privacy in a laminated glazing without increasing the conventional weight and thickness of such glazing.

[0007] In the above context, reference is made to US10578944B2, provides a solution in which quantum dots integrated inorganic-organic hybrid nanorods are provided. Further disclosed in said disclosure is a method to make such nanohybrids. The disclosed solution incorporates nanohybrids for a particular light controlling devices. This solution does not provide means for exhibiting control over NIR wavelength. Specifically, it pertains to SPDs.

[0008] A further reference is made to US11747695B2 that discloses a multicolour electrochromic structure comprising a working electrode, an electrolyte and an auxiliary electrode. A first and a second reflective surfaces and the dielectric layer form an optical cavity. The dielectric layer is fabricated by an electrochromic material. The multicolour electrochromic structure may combine a structural colour with electrochromism to display various colour changes. Further provided here are a method of fabrication and a regulation method of the multicolour electrochromic structure, and an electrochromic device, an image display, comprising the multicolour electrochromic structure. Additionally, this also incorporates a metal layer for facilitating the properties of thermal comfort. A similar solution has been referred in WO2022061953A1. However, in both these solutions, the presence of such additional layers is not only going to add to the expense but also bring about manufacturing complexity as well.

[0009] In view of the prior art known hitherto, it has been observed that the existing solutions make the glazing complex, all the functionalities are not achieved, and the method of manufacturing is also complex. Such bulky structures will not be suitable for applications especially applications on automotives. At the same time, there is a demand for bringing about such multiple modes as well. Therefore, it has been identified that there is a dire need of a solution for bringing forth aesthetics, privacy modes and near infrared filtration in a laminated glazing without increasing the conventional weight and thickness of the glazing.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a solution that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a smart window or glazing having multiple functional modes such as colour changing modes and near infrared wave blocking mode.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a smart window or glazing with said modes and without any alteration in the weight and height of said window or glazing.

[0013] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a smart window or glazing with said different modes and less complexity in structure.

[0014] These and other objects of the invention are achieved by the following aspects of the invention. The following disclosure presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This presents some concept of the invention in a simplified form to a more detailed description of the invention presented later. It is a comprehensive summary of the disclosure and it is not an extensive overview of the present invention. The intend of this summary is to provide a fundamental understanding of some of the aspects of the present invention.

[0015] In an aspect of the present invention is provided a multimode switchable glazing having a laminated pane. Said pane comprises a first substrate of glass or polymer having a first face and a second face and a second substrate of glass or polymer having a third face and a fourth face. It has at least two electrodes that are coated with electrochromic active materials, with one electrode being placed on the second face of the first substrate and the other electrode being placed on the third face of the second substrate. It further has an ionic conducting interlayer, sandwiched between said first and second substrates adapted to facilitate ion shuttling upon application voltage to the electrodes. The electrodes and ionic conducting interlayer are configured to facilitate high coloration efficiency to the glazing and to exhibit at least three modes of operation. Said at least two coated electrodes, along with electrolyte are configured to facilitate an ion storage layer, an electrochromic layer and an ion shuttling layer for the switchable glazing to exhibit at least three modes of operation. The coating on the at least two coated electrodes, with active materials are such that it includes similar ion storage capability thereby enabling smooth and balanced shuttling of ions. The at least two electrodes are coated with electrochromic active materials adapted to respond to both positive and negative voltages for both anodically and catholically colouring behaviours. The cathodically colouring materials comprises inorganic metal oxides and the anodically colouring materials comprises organic compounds. The ionic conducting interlayer is adapted to function as an electrolyte and as an adhesive for the laminated pane. The ionic conducting interlayer comprises a hybrid electrolyte layer containing lithium ion in Polyvinyl butyral PVB polymer matrix. In said glazing, a first electrode is coated with carbazole-based or polyaniline and a second electrode is coated with hydrated tungsten oxide nano sheets. The ionic conducting interlayer comprises a conducting polyvinyl butyral PVB functionalized by lithium perchlorate ion insertion. The PVB solid electrolyte comprises propylene solvent and lithium perchlorate are in a weight ratio of 20: 1. The glazing is configured to exhibit at least three modes of operation, said three modes being a mode for complete transparency, a mode for selective blocking of infrared rays while remaining visually unaltered in an active mode and a mode for achieving different colours inclusive of being completely opaque in an active mode. The coating on one of the electrodes includes a material for preventing the transmission of near infrared, in an active mode. In this glazing, the at least two coated electrodes are disposed on transparent conductive oxide coatings, on the first and second substrates. The mode for achieving different colours includes exhibiting colour variations in two different wavelengths. In the disclosed glazing, the at least two electrodes are printed as bus bars on the glazing.

[0016] In an aspect of the present invention is provided a system for switchable glazing for a vehicle. Said glazing is as per the aspect disclosed above. This glazing further comprises an electronic control unit configured to operate the glazing in at least four modes, in which said electronic control unit is configured with the vehicle electronic control unit. The thickness of the switchable glazing is conventional thickness of a laminated glazing for the vehicle.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention is provided a method of making the multimode switchable glazing. Said switchable glazing is as per the aspect disclosed above. This method comprises pre-processing the first substate and the second substrate and coating, the electrode on the second face of the first substrate and on the third face of the second substrate. This method further comprises assembling, the modified interlayer between the first substrate and the second substrate. Still further, it includes de-airing, the assembled first substrate, second substrate and an ionized interlayer therebetween and autoclaving, the de-aired assembly of the first substrate, second substrate and the interlayer therebetween. The method further comprises arranging, means for enabling connections with a control unit. The method further comprises bending, the first substrate and the second substrate after the step of pre-processing.

[0018] The one or more embodiments of the present invention is directed at an advanced electrochromic window with two active electrodes for exhibiting the multiple different operating modes, where both electrodes are coated with electrochromic active materials. The electrolyte layer sandwiched between the electrodes facilitates ion shuttling. The electrodes are coated with materials that respond to positive and negative voltages, resulting in anodically and catholically colouring behaviours, respectively which results in high coloration efficiency. Specifically, cathodically colouring materials includes inorganic metal oxides and anodically colouring materials consist of organic compounds. Upon voltage application, both active materials on the cathode and anode are activated and modulated. The solid electrolyte, potentially an ionized interlayer enhances the overall performance of the electrochromic window. The disclosed solution permits for a more versatile and customizable control of the window's optical properties. The solution involves a strategic choice of materials that contributes to the unique functionality of the electrochromic window.

[0019] The significant features of the present invention and the advantages of the same will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the detailed description that follows in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[0021] The following briefly describes the accompanying drawings, illustrating the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, for assisting the understanding of a person skilled in the art to comprehend the invention. It would be apparent that the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art can derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0022] FIGs. 1A-1B illustrate switchable glazing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates the switchable glazing in an active state respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIGs. 3A-3B illustrate the switchable glazing in neutral state and active state respectively according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates the different modes of a switchable glazing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a system having the switchable glazing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the disclosure.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present disclosure is now discussed in more detail referring to the drawings that accompany the present application. It would be appreciated by a skilled person that this description to assist the understanding of the invention, but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. The terms and words used in the following description are not limited to the bibliographical meanings and the same are used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, the terms / phrases are to be read in the context of the disclosure and not in isolation. Additionally, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0030] The one or more embodiments of the present invention is directed at a smart glazing or a window that relates to an advanced electrochromic window exhibiting different operating modes for various functionalities. In a broad perspective, this smart window will include two states an active state and an inactive state. The smart glazing is said to be in an active state when electricity is applied to it. The various functionalities exhibited by said glazing would include a neutral mode, a coloured mode, and a mode for filtering near infrared radiations. In a coloured mode, said smart window may exhibit tints in different colours. In the present invention are provided are two active electrodes for exhibiting four different operating modes. In a preferred embodiment, both electrodes are coated with electrochromic active materials. Provided therebetween is an electrolyte layer sandwiched between the electrodes to facilitate ion shuttling. The choice of the material for coating electrode is and the electrolyte is so made that it not only facilitates the different operating modes but also provides for high colouration efficiency.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention is provided a multimode switchable glazing (100), which has been depicted in FIG. 1A. Said switchable glazing has a laminated pane. Said pane comprises a first substrate (101) of glass or polymer having a first face (fl) and a second face (f2) and a second substrate (102) of glass or polymer having a third face (IB) and a fourth face (f4). Further provided in said glazing is at least two electrodes (103, 104) being coated with electrochromic active materials. In this embodiment, one electrode is placed on the second face (f2) of the first substrate (101) and the other electrode being placed on the third face (f3) of the second substrate (102). Further provided in said glazing is an ionic conducting interlayer (105), sandwiched between said first and second substrates (101, 102). Said ionic conducting interlayer is adapted to facilitate ion shuttling upon application voltage to the electrodes (103, 104). The electrodes (103, 104) and ionic conducting interlayer (105) are configured to facilitate high coloration efficiency to the glazing and to exhibit at least three modes of operation. In an implementation, the at least two coated electrodes are disposed on transparent conductive oxide coatings (1031, 1032) on the first and second substrates (101, 102) as seen in FIG. IB. In an instance, said transparent conductive oxide may be Indium-tin oxide (ITO), but however, is not limited to this.

[0032] As per the present invention, the electrodes are coated with materials that respond to positive and negative voltages. This in turn results in anodically and catholically colouring behaviours, respectively which yields a high coloration efficiency. Coloration efficiency (CE) may be defined as the ratio of optical density to intercalated charge. The person skilled in the art would be able to obtain the values of optical density and intercalated charges by means conventionally known.

[0033] The switchable glazing as per the present invention is configured to exhibit colour change or switch of colour by consuming very small charge, the coloration efficiency is higher (as discussed above, coloration efficiency is defined as the ratio of change in transmittance to the charge density consumed). As one electrode is cathodically colouring and counter electrode is anodically colouring. Both coatings use the anion and cation part of the electrolyte, effectively increasing the change in optical density. The switchable glazing or the electrochromic window is configured to employ a dual electrode configuration, where either one or both electrodes are coated with electrochromic active materials. This design advantageously allows for a more versatile and customizable control of the window's optical properties. It has been observed by the inventors of the present invention that the deliberate choice specific electrochromic materials for cathodically colouring (inorganic metal oxides such as and not limited to hydrated tungsten oxide nano sheets) and anodically coloring (organic compounds like carbazole-based or polyaniline, but not limited to this) contributes to the unique functionality of the electrochromic window. This provides a significant advancement in electrochromic window technology by combining the benefits of organic and inorganic materials in the electrolyte while maintaining compatibility with a traditional PVB bonding layer for enhanced functionality and durability.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, for the smart glazing or electrochromic window, both the electrodes have to be coated with active materials. The electrodes may be coated with both organic and inorganic material. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least two electrodes (103, 104) of the switchable glazing may be coated with electrochromic active materials adapted to respond to both positive and negative voltages for both anodically and catholically colouring behaviours. The cathodically colouring materials comprises inorganic metal oxides and the anodically colouring materials comprises organic compounds. The electrolyte of said smart glazing may have an ionic conducting interlayer (105). The ionic conducting interlayer may be adapted to function as an electrolyte and as an adhesive for the laminated pane.

[0035] As per the present invention, the electrochromic window / glazing has coatings on each of the electrodes with specific electrochromic materials. In an embodiment, it is disclosed that the coating on electrodes by active materials is so chosen that they have similar ion storage capability enabling a smooth and balanced shuttling of ions. In an implementation of the present invention, in the multimode electrochromic glazing, a first electrode may be configured to respond to a positive voltage. This is anodically coloured. A second electrode is thus configured to respond to negative voltage. This is cathodically coloured. Further provided in the glazing is an electrolyte layer sandwiched between the electrodes facilitates ion shuttling. As per this embodiment, all electrochromic coatings, are adapted and tuned to have a thickness in nanometer, thereby advantageously ensuring efficiency and lightweight performance.

[0036] For the glazing to have a composite pane or a laminated pane, provided is an adhesive interlayer. In an embodiment, the glazing includes an ionized interlayer adapted to function as an adhesive interlayer. Generally, for laminated pane, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is used as a bonding layer for adhesion of the glass substrates. In an implementation, PVB polymer matrix may be functionalized to make it compatible for the lamination parameters. The PVB polymer membrane has a wide electrochemical window of 1.6-5.0 V as compared to Li / Li+. In an implementation, said interlayer comprises a conducting PVB functionalized by lithium perchlorate ion insertion. The PVB solid electrolyte comprises propylene solvent and lithium perchlorate are in a weight ratio of 20: 1. The hybrid electrolyte containing lithium ion in a PVB polymer matrix, facilitates ion shuttling in the switchable glazing during voltage application. Said hybrid electrolyte is specifically designed to work in conjunction with the traditional PVB bonding layer, which acts as an adhesive for the laminated pane. In this embodiment, the traditional PVB bonding layer, functionalized by lithium perchlorate ion insertion, advantageously imparts overall structural integrity of the pane. Its compatibility with the hybrid electrolyte thereby ensuring a robust and durable assembly, addressing both mechanical and electrochemical requirements.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention the disclosed switchable glazing provides three or more modes of operation thereby allowing for a range of optical states. Said modes of operation includes a neutral state, selectively blocking infrared rays while remaining visually unaltered, and achieving different colours based on the activation of specific electrochromic materials preferably organic electrochromic materials. A neutral mode is usually the appearance when in an inactive state. Generally, the neutral mode refers to being transparent. Then at a higher voltage, it completely cut out all visible infrared radiation wavelength range.

[0038] In an implementation of the present invention, the cathodically colouring materials include inorganic metal oxides while anodically colouring materials includes organic compounds. Upon voltage application, i.e. when the switchable glazing is in an active state, both active materials on the cathode and anode are activated and modulated. The ionized interlayer enhances the overall performance of the electrochromic window. Reference is now made to FIG. 2 that discloses a switchable glazing (200) in an active state according to the present invention. The coated electrodes along with electrolyte are configured to facilitate an ion storage layer, an electrochromic layer and an ion shuttling layer to exhibit at least three modes of operation. Electrodes (201, 202) with coatings (203, 204) upon application of voltage is configured to facilitate the different modes for different voltages. Said electrodes with electrolyte is configured to create an ion storage layer and an electrochromic layer (201a, 202a).

[0039] Reference is made to FIG. 4a refers to the switchable glazing (300) in a neutral mode i.e., when it is in an inactive state. The glass substrates (301, 302) have ITO coatings (303, 304). One of the electrodes has an inorganic electrochromic material coating (303a) and the other has an inorganic material coating (304a), with ionized electrolyte (305). The particles or ions of the same are in neutral state with no application of electric voltage. Reference is made to FIG. 4b that shows an active mode, upon application of voltage where the glazing is in a coloured state. As per the one or more embodiments of the present invention, in terms of different operational modes, the switchable glazing or electrochromic window as per the present invention exhibits three or more modes, preferably ranging from a neutral transparent state to selectively blocking infrared rays while remaining visually transparent and achieving different colours based on the activation of specific organic electrochromic materials. At a higher voltage it completely cut out all Vis-IR wavelength range creating a privacy effect. Advantageously, all electrochromic coatings, are designed to be in nanometer thicknesses, and hence ensures efficient and lightweight performance.

[0040] Reference is made to FIG. 5 that represents four modes available as per an implementation of the present invention. In a first mode (mode 1), which is a neutral mode with transparent state, all the visible near infrared (NIR) wavelengths are allowed through the glazing. In a second mode (mode 2), a lower voltage range may be applied to the switchable glazing in the range 1-1.5 V (say for instance). In this mode, the organic coating undergoes radical formation, and it changes absorbance. This in turn provides a colour variation from blue appearing to red colours. In a third mode (mode 3), the optimum voltage ranges of 2.4-2.6V (say for instance) may be applied and the inorganic counterpart will be activated. However, there may not visible alteration in colour but the NIR wavelength would be cut off. In a fourth mode (mode 4), a higher voltage may be applied which in turn activates the inorganic layer activate completely and it absorbs in visible and NIR wavelength. This will also bring forth a visible change in the colour appearance as well, creating appearance of black screen, which is opaque and may be regarded as a privacy mode.

[0041] In an implementation, all three modes may be achieved by bilayer coating on a single electrode, ie, the layer close to the electrolyte can get activate first and then block NIR radiation. On higher potential, the layer far from electrolyte but directly on electrode can block visible light and turn to colored or opaque.

[0042] Reference is made to FIG. 6 that discloses a system (400) for switchable glazing for a vehicle. Said switchable glazing comprises the glazing (401) as detailed above in the various embodiments and implementation of the present invention. Said glazing (401) further comprises an electronic control unit (402) configured to operate the glazing in at least four modes. Said electronic control unit is configured with the vehicle electronic control unit. The thickness of the switchable glazing is conventional thickness of a laminated glazing for the vehicle. In an implementation of the present invention, the disclosed system for automotive glazing may be any kind of glazing such as windshield or sunroof. The privacy mode and aesthetic mode in said implementation may be achieved by two electrode system which do not increase the thickness, and weight. This is done by way of two busbars which makes the wire harnessing easy. The usage of active electrode and counter electrode exactly balances the ion storage performance which prevents the aging of transparent conductive electrode usually caused by uneven ion shuttling. In an example, the broad range of thickness (conventional thickness) for sunroof is about 6 mm. This is similar for windshield and is around the same range for automotive applications.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention is provided a method of making the multimode switchable glazing. Said method comprises pre-processing (S201), the first substate and the second substrate and coating (S203), the electrode on the second face of the first substrate and on the third face of the second substrate. The method further comprises assembling (S204), the modified interlayer between the first substrate and the second substrate. It also includes de-airing (S205), the assembled first substrate, second substrate and an ionized interlayer therebetween. Additionally, it includes autoclaving (S206), the de-aired assembly of the first substrate, second substrate and the interlayer therebetween and arranging (SI 07), means for enabling connections with a control unit. The method further comprises bending (S202), the first substrate and the second substrate after the step of pre-processing. In an instance, the coating of active material, both organic and inorganic may be coated by solution coating, Mayer rod coating. The Doctors blade may be done for hydrated tungsten oxide.

[0044] Example 1: In an implementation, some choice of electrochromic materials are explored. In common, viologens exist in three redox states; (i) colourless and the most stable dication, which on reduction form (ii) radical cation, which on further reduction form (iii) neutral molecule. In the case of viologens radical cations, intense colours with high molar absorption coefficients, due to the charge transfer between the (formally) +1 and zero valent nitrogen could be achieved through suitable substitution at the nitrogen atoms.

[0045] Dfcation (No color) Radical cation Neutral state (yellow)

[0046] (Purple in color)

[0047] Example 2: Polythiophene based electrochromic systems with tunable colours can be prepared by changing the substituents on the monomers or by using various thiophene analogues. For example, the backbone of the polymers derived from 3 -methylthiophene oligomers could be modified by altering the relative positions of methyl groups to achieve films of various colours. E.g. Poly[(3,4- ethylenedioxy)thiophene]. Poly carbazoles and N-alkyl substituted poly carbazoles are anodically colouring polymers, in which the unsubstituted polycarbazole switch from its yellow transmissive neutral state to green coloured state and N-alkyl substituted polycarbazole show a blue shifted absorption which result in its colourless transmissive neutral state. The electrochromic switching occurs from its colourless transmissive state to a partially oxidized green and then to a fully oxidized blue state.

[0048] Features that are described and / or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and / or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

[0049] Some advantages of the present invention are enlisted in the following:

[0050] • The disclosed design allows for a more versatile and customizable control of the window's optical properties.

[0051] • As one electrode is cathodically colouring and counter electrode is anodically colouring- both coatings use the anion and cation part of the electrolyte, effectively increasing the change in optical density.

[0052] • This deliberate choice of materials contributes to the unique functionality of the electrochromic window and with multiple choice. List of reference numerals appearing in the accompanying drawings and the corresponding features:

[0053] 100, 200, 300: switchable glazing

[0054] 101 : first substrate fl : first face f2: second face

[0055] 102: a second substrate f3: third face f4: fourth face 103, 104: electrodes

[0056] 105: interlayer

Claims

Claims1. A multimode switchable glazing (100) having a laminated pane, wherein said pane comprises: a first substrate (101) of glass or polymer having a first face (fl) and a second face (f2); a second substrate (102) of glass or polymer having a third face (f3) and a fourth face (f4); at least two electrodes (103, 104) being coated with electrochromic active materials, with one electrode being placed on the second face (f2) of the first substrate (101) and the other electrode being placed on the third face (f3) of the second substrate (102); an ionic conducting interlayer (105), sandwiched between said first and second substrates (101, 102), adapted to facilitate ion shuttling upon application voltage to the electrodes (103, 104); and wherein the electrodes (103, 104) and ionic conducting interlayer (105) are configured to facilitate high coloration efficiency to the glazing and to exhibit at least three modes of operation.

2. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two coated electrodes (103, 104) along with electrolyte are configured to facilitate an ion storage layer, an electrochromic layer and an ion shuttling layer to exhibit at least three modes of operation.

3. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coating on the at least two coated electrodes (103, 104) with active materials are such that it includes similar ion storage capability thereby enabling smooth and balanced shuttling of ions.

4. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two electrodes (103, 104) are coated with electrochromic active materials adapted to respond to both positive and negative voltages for both anodically and catholically colouring behaviours.

5. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cathodically colouring materials comprises inorganic metal oxides and the anodically colouring materials comprises organic compounds.

6. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ionic conducting interlayer (105), being adapted to function as an electrolyte and as an adhesive for the laminated pane.

7. The multimode switching glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ionic conducting interlayer (105) comprises a hybrid electrolyte layer containing lithium ion in Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) polymer matrix.

8. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first electrode (103) is coated with carbazole-based or polyaniline; a second electrode (104) is coated with hydrated tungsten oxide nano sheets; and the ionic conducting interlayer comprises a conducting polyvinyl butyral (PVB) functionalized by lithium perchlorate ion insertion.

9. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the PVB solid electrolyte comprises propylene solvent and lithium perchlorate are in a weight ratio of 20: 1.

10. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the glazing is configured to exhibit at least three modes of operation, said three modes being: a mode for complete transparency; a mode for selective blocking of infrared rays while remaining visually unaltered in an active mode; and a mode for achieving different colours inclusive of being completely opaque in an active mode.

11. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the coating on one of the electrodes includes a material for preventing the transmission of near infrared, in an active mode.

12. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least two coated electrodes are disposed on transparent conductive oxide coatings (1031, 1032) on the first and second substrates (101, 102).

13. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mode for achieving different colours includes exhibiting colour variations in two different wavelengths.

14. The multimode switchable glazing (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least two electrodes are printed as bus bars on the glazing.

15. A system (400) for switchable glazing for a vehicle comprising the glazing (401) as claimed in any one of claims 1-14, wherein said glazing (401) further comprises: an electronic control unit (402) configured to operate the glazing in at least four modes, wherein said electronic control unit is configured with the vehicle electronic control unit.

16. The system (400) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the thickness of the switchable glazing is conventional thickness of a laminated glazing for the vehicle.

17. A method of making the multimode switchable glazing as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 14, wherein said method comprises: pre-processing (S201), the first substate and the second substrate; coating (S203), the electrode on the second face of the first substrate and on the third face of the second substrate; assembling (S204), the modified interlayer between the first substrate and the second substrate; de-airing (S205), the assembled first substrate, second substrate and an ionized interlayer therebetween; autoclaving (S206), the de-aired assembly of the first substrate, second substrate and the interlayer therebetween; and arranging (SI 07), means for enabling connections with a control unit.

18. The method of making the composite pane as claimed in claim 15, wherein the method further comprises bending (S202), the first substrate and the second substrate after the step of preprocessing.

Images