Mixed interfacial solvent as part of laminated conjugated polymer electrochromic system

Abstract

An electrochromic device includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed with the second and third surfaces facing each other. A cathodic film includes at least one cathodic species and is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film includes an anodic species and is coupled to the third surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE includes a mixed plasticizer with a first constituent and a second constituent, and the anodic species has lower solubility in the first constituent than the cathodic species and a higher solubility in the second constituent than the cathodic species.

Description

Atty. Docket No. AUTO 05205T GEN010 FP1413AWOMIXED INTERFACIAL SOLVENT AS PART OF LAMINATED CONJUGATED POLYMER ELECTROCHROMIC SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 705,226, filed on October 9, 2024, entitled "MIXED INTERFACIAL SOLVENT AS PART OF LAMINATED CONJUGATED POLYMER ELECTROCHROMIC SYSTEM," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an electrochromic device having a plasticizer at mixed concentrations between anodic and cathodic films and a thin film electrolyte ("TFE").SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electrochromic device includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed with the second and third surfaces facing each other. A cathodic film includes at least one cathodic species and is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film includes an anodic species and is coupled to the third surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE includes a mixed plasticizer with a first constituent and a second constituent, and the anodic species has lower solubility in the first constituent than the cathodic species and a higher solubility in the second constituent than the cathodic species.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrochromic device includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed with the second and third surfaces facing each other. A cathodic film includes at least one cathodic species and is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film includes an anodic species and is coupled to thethird surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE includes a mixed plasticizer with a constituent at a lower concentration proximate the anodic film and a higher concentration proximate the cathodic film, wherein the anodic species has lower solubility in the constituent than the cathodic species.

[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrochromic device includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed with the second and third surfaces facing each other. A cathodic film includes at least one cathodic species and is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film includes an anodic species and is coupled to the third surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE includes a mixed plasticizer with a constituent at a lower concentration proximate the anodic film and a higher concentration proximate the cathodic film, wherein the anodic species has lower solubility in the constituent than the cathodic species. The first constituent consists of at least one of di(Butoxyethyl)adipate and Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2-ethylhexanoate.

[0006] The present disclosure generally provides an electrochromic device having a plasticizer at mixed concentrations between anodic and cathodic films and a thin film electrolyte ("TFE"). The plasticizer may be selected from a group that provides physical bonding between the cathodic and anodic films, supports physical durability, and provides further optical and ionic conductivity benefits. In addition, the anodic film may include an anodic species that is susceptible to dissolving in the plasticizer. In this manner, the plasticizer may, initially upon assembly or through operational life, have lower concentrations proximate the anodic film to prevent dissolving of the anodic species into the TFE.

[0007] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2A is a first molecular structure of an anodic film for an electrochromic device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2B is a second molecular structure of an anodic film for an electrochromic device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 2C is a molecular structure of cathodic film for an electrochromic device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a vehicle incorporating an electro-optic assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3B is an upper perspective view of an aircraft incorporating an electro-optic assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of a building incorporating an electro-optic assembly in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0016] FIG. 3D is an upper perspective view of an eyewear assembly incorporating an electro-optic assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an electrochromic device having a plasticizer at mixed concentrations between anodic and cathodic films and a thin film electrolyte ("TFE"). Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements.

[0018] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. Unless stated otherwise, the term "front" shall refer to the surface of the device closer to an intended viewer of the device, and the term "rear" shall refer to the surface of the device further from the intended viewer of the device.However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0019] The terms "including," "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises a . . . " does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0020] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3D, reference numeral 10 generally designates an electrochromic device. The electrochromic device 10 includes a first substrate 12 having a first surface 14 and a second surface 16 opposite the first surface 14. A second substrate 18 includes a third surface 20 and a fourth surface 22 opposite the third surface 20. The first and second substrates 12, 18 are disposed with the second and third surfaces 16, 20 facing each other. A cathodic film 24 includes a cathodic species (e.g., at least one cathodic species) that is coupled to the second surface 16 and an anodic film 26 includes an anodic species (e.g., at least one anodic species) that is coupled to the third surface 20. An electrooptic medium may be configured as a thin film electrolyte ("TFE") 28 that is disposed between the cathodic film 24 and the anodic film 26. The TFE 28 includes a mixed plasticizer with a first constituent and a second constituent, and the anodic species has lower solubility in the first constituent than the cathodic species and a higher solubility in the second constituent than the cathodic species.

[0021] With reference now specifically to FIG. 1, a lower concentration of plasticizer may be proximate the anodic film 26 and a higher concentration of plasticizer may be proximate the cathodic film 24 depending on several factors that will be detailed below. The electrochromic device 10 may further include a first conductive layer 34 located between the cathodic film 24 and the second surface 16 and a second conductive layer 36 locatedbetween the anodic film 26 and the third surface 20. The first conductive layer 34 and the second conductive layer 36 may be formed by electrically conductive transparent materials, including, but not limited to, a transparent conducting film, such as a transparent conductive oxide (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO), F:SnO2, ZnO, IZO), insulator- metal-insulator ("IMI") structures, carbon (graphene and / or graphite) and / or a conductive metal mesh (e.g., nanowires). A conductive member (not shown), such as an electric bus, may at least partially travel along a peripheral edge of the first conductive layer 34 and the second conductive layer 36. However, it should be appreciated that the first conductive layer 34 and the second conductive layer 36 may be located on the first surface 14 and the fourth surface 22 (e.g., with vias through the first and second substrates 12, 18) or otherwise integrated with the first and second substrates 12, 18 (e.g., conductive substrates). In some embodiments, the first and second substrates 12, 18 may be formed, for example, of glass or polyethylene terephthalate ("PET").

[0022] As depicted, the electrochromic device 10 may include an electrolyte film (e.g., a thin film electrolyte). The TFE 28 may, for example, be a gel or solid state. The TFE 28 may, in combination with the cathodic film 24 and the anodic film 26, be switchable between a transmissive state (e.g., greater than 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% transmission in a visible spectrum) and a substantially darkened state. In other embodiments, a reflective or transreflective layer (not shown) is located between the TFE 28 and the fourth surface 22 such that increasing the transmissive state increases the amount of reflected light. The TFE 28 may include salt (e.g., an ionic conductive additive), a polymer, and a solvent or mixed plasticizer including a propylene carbonate constituent (e.g., a plasticizer for the polymer and a solvent for the salt). The propylene carbonate constituent may be referred herein as a primary constituent. The anodic species has higher solubility in the propylene carbonate than the cathodic species. In this manner, adding an additional constituent or secondary constituent where the anodic species has lower solubility in the propylene carbonate than the cathodic species and / or primary constituent may be beneficial to prevent degradation of the electrochromic device 10. While the additional or secondary constituent will be described in greater detail below, it may consist of at least one of di(Butoxyethyl)adipate and Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2-ethylhexanoate.

[0023] The electrochromic device 10 is electroactive and, more particularly, the term"electroactive," as used herein, refers to a material that can undergo a modification in itsoxidation state upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. The term "electrochromic," as used herein, refers to a material that can exhibit a change in its extinction coefficient at one or more wavelengths upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. Electrochromic components, as described herein, include materials whose color or opacity is affected by an electrical current, such that when an electrical field is applied to the material, the color or opacity changes from a first state to a second state (e.g., the inactivated and activated states). Thus, an electrochromic device can exhibit a change in transparency as a result of electrochemical oxidation and reduction reactions that occur between electroactive components or species (e.g., the anodic components or species and the cathodic components or species), in which at least one of the electroactive components is also electrochromic. In other words, when a sufficient electrical potential difference is applied across electrodes of an electrochromic device, the TFE, in combination with the cathodic film 24 and the anodic film 26, and more particularly, the cathodic film 24 and the anodic film 26, can shift from a substantially clear state (e.g., a high transmission state, such as the inactivated state) to a substantially dark or darkened state (e.g., a low transmission state, such as the activated state), as well as intermediate states thereto, in the event that one or more of the anodic and the cathodic components are oxidized and reduced, respectively. Specifically, the anodic components are oxidized by donating electrons to the anode and the cathodic components are reduced by accepting electrons from the cathode. Accordingly, the anodic compound refers to a compound that can reversibly lose an electron(s) upon activation and the cathodic compound, as used herein, refers to a compound that can reversibly gain an electron(s).

[0024] In some embodiments, the anodic components or species of anodic film 26 may include one or more triphenylamine (TPA) derivatives. For example, the anodic components may include one or a blend of type A and / or type B polyamide polymers. More particularly, type A may be defined herein as N,N'-Bis(4-aminophenyl)-N,N'-bis(4- methoxyphenyl)-l,4-benzenediamine ("TPPA-PA") and type B may be defined as N,N'- Bis(4-aminophenyl)-N,N'-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-4',4-biphenylenediamine ("TPBA-PA"). The molecular structure of type A is depicted in FIG. 2A and the molecular structures of type B is depicted in FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the cathodic film 24 may include one or more cathodic components (e.g., species) or moieties, which can include a reducible compound. Non-limiting examples of cathodic components include thiophene, forexample, ~200-300 nm, Polymerized Thiophene of ProDOT-Me2, 3,3-bis(bromomethyl)- 3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][l,4]dioxepine ("Br2-PDOT"), {3-[(4- ethenylbenzoyloxy)methyl]-2H, 3H, 4H-thieno[3,4-b][l,4]dioxepin-3-yl}methyl 4- ethenylbenzoate ("PDOTBE"), Solution Deposited PDOT ("SDPOT"), and / or other types of PDOT materials. One non-limiting example molecular structure of the cathodic component is depicted in FIG. 2C.

[0025] The mixed plasticizer may have the same or different concentrations of the constituents, depending on assembly process, and / or a time since the electrochromic device 10 and the TFE 28 becomes more homogenous, etc. The plasticizer may be selected from a group that provides physical bonding between the cathodic and anodic films 24, 26 and the TFE 28, supports physical durability, and for optical and ionic conductivity benefits. For example, TPA derivatives are known to dissolve in propylene carbonate constituents. As such, the mixed plasticizer (e.g., the first and second constituents) concentration proximate the anodic film 26 may be selected based on both bonding the anodic film 26 and protecting (e.g., preventing or limiting) the anodic film 26 from dissolving in the TFE 28. For example, the plasticizer (e.g., propylene carbonate) concentration proximate the anodic film 26 may include lower concentrations of propylene carbonate initially and / or substantially through the operational lifetime of the electrochromic device 10. More particularly, the plasticizer concentration proximate the anodic film 26 may include additional constituents, such as di(Butoxyethyl)adipate (e.g., C18H34O6) and / or Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2-ethylhexanoate that protects the anodic film 26. The plasticizer concentration proximate the cathodic film 24, on the other hand, may be the same as the plasticizer proximate the anodic film 26 or different. For example, the plasticizer concentration proximate the cathodic film 24 may include high concentrations of propylene carbonate (e.g., initially and / or substantially through the operational lifetime of the electrochromic device 10) and / or di(Butoxyethyl)adipate. More particularly, the cathodic film 24 is generally less susceptible to the effects (e.g., dissolving) in propylene carbonate and the propylene carbonate may be included in higher concentrations proximate the cathodic film 24 as a gradient or multi-layer TFE 28. In this manner, the plasticizer concentration proximate the anodic film 26 may include higher concentrations of the additional constituent (e.g., di(Butoxyethyl)adipate and / or and / orTri(ethylenglycol)bis-2-ethylhexanoate) but lower concentrations of the primaryconstituent (e.g., propylene carbonate) than the plasticizer concentration proximate the cathodic film 24. As explained previously, these concentrations may be initially present only (e.g., as the TFE becomes more homogenous with use) or substantially through the operational lifetime of the electrochromic device 10. Likewise, it should be understood that the TFE 28 may be originally assembled with homogenous or uniform concentrations of both the primary and additional constituents, where the additional constituent is utilized to limit solubility of the anodic film 26 (e.g., the anodic species). The concentration of the primary constituent (e.g., propylene carbonate) and the concentration of the additional constituent (e.g., di(Butoxyethyl)adipate and / or and / or Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2- ethylhexanoate) may be at about a 1:1 ratio. For example, the concentrations of the primary constituent relative to the additional constituent may be between about 20% and about 80%, about 30% and about 70%, about 40% and about 60%, or about 50%.

[0026] With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3D, the electrochromic device 10 may be configured as an electrochromic device that is switchable between a substantially transmissive state and a substantially darkened state. In other embodiments, the electrochromic device 10 is configured as an electrochromic device that is switchable between a high reflectance state and a low reflectance state. Various embodiments of electrochromic device 10 may be incorporated with one or more structures 38A-38C. For example, FIG. 3A illustrates an automobile 38A employing the electrochromic device 10, for example, with an interior rearview mirror, a sunroof, a windshield, a side window, a heads-up display, and / or other interior vehicle locations that display one or more aspects of the electrochromic device 10. The automobile 38A may include a commercial vehicle, an emergency vehicle, a residential vehicle, or the like. FIG. 3B illustrates an aircraft 38B employing the electrochromic device 10 (e.g., a front window, side window, heads-up display). FIG. 3C illustrates a building 38C employing electrochromic device 10 (e.g., a window). The building 38C may be a residential building, a commercial building, and / or the like. Generally speaking, the electrochromic device 10 may be incorporated into any environment where it is beneficial to change the state of a window, mirror, and / or display. FIG. 3D illustrates eyewear 38D employing electrochromic device 10. For example, the eyewear may be glass or plastic with dimming functionality and include augmented reality or virtual reality. Generally speaking, other structures, such as a headsup display or other environments wherein electrochromic effects are beneficial, mayemploy the electrochromic device 10 with dimming functionality or augmented reality. Generally speaking, other structures, such as a heads-up display or other environments wherein a light dimming device with low reflectance is beneficial, may employ the electrochromic device 10.

[0027] The disclosure herein is further summarized in the following paragraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and all of the various aspects described therein.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electrochromic device includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed with the second and third surfaces facing each other. A cathodic film includes at least one cathodic species and is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film includes an anodic species and is coupled to the third surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE includes a mixed plasticizer with a first constituent and a second constituent, and the anodic species has lower solubility in the first constituent than the cathodic species and a higher solubility in the second constituent than the cathodic species.

[0029] According to another aspect, the anodic species includes a blend of polyamide polymers.

[0030] According to yet another aspect, the cathodic film includes one or more of a variety of PDOT materials.

[0031] According to still another aspect, the second constituent of the mixed plasticizer includes propylene carbonate.

[0032] According to another aspect, the propylene carbonate is at a lower concentration proximate the anodic film and a higher concentration proximate the cathodic film.

[0033] According to another aspect, the first constituent of the mixed plasticizer includes di(Butoxyethyl)adipate.

[0034] According to yet another aspect, the di(Butoxyethyl)adipate is at a lower concentration proximate the cathodic film and a higher concentration proximate the anodic film.

[0035] According to still another aspect, the first constituent of the mixed plasticizer includes Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2-ethylhexanoate.

[0036] According to still yet another aspect, an electrochromic device includes a first conductive layer located between the cathodic film and the first substrate and a second conductive layer located between the anodic film and the second substrate.

[0037] According to another aspect, the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer are both formed of a transparent conductive oxide.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrochromic device includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed with the second and third surfaces facing each other. A cathodic film includes at least one cathodic species and is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film includes an anodic species and is coupled to the third surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE includes a mixed plasticizer with a constituent at a lower concentration proximate the anodic film and a higher concentration proximate the cathodic film, wherein the anodic species has lower solubility in the constituent than the cathodic species.

[0039] According to another aspect, the TFE further includes an additional constituent that comprises propylene carbonate.

[0040] According to yet another aspect, the constituent comprises di(Butoxyethyl)adipate.

[0041] According to another aspect, the constituent comprises Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2- ethylhexanoate.

[0042] According to still yet another aspect, the di(Butoxyethyl)adipate is at a lower concentration proximate the cathodic film and a higher concentration proximate the anodic film.

[0043] According to another aspect, the anodic species includes a blend of type A and type B polyamide polymers.

[0044] According to yet another aspect, the cathodic species includes thiophene.

[0045] According to still yet another aspect, a vehicle window includes the electrochromic device.

[0046] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an electrochromic device includes a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The first and second substrates are disposed with the second and third surfaces facing each other. A cathodic film includes at least one cathodic species and is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film includes an anodic species and is coupled to the third surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE includes a mixed plasticizer with a constituent at a lower concentration proximate the anodic film and a higher concentration proximate the cathodic film, wherein the anodic species has lower solubility in the constituent than the cathodic species. The first constituent consists of at least one of di(Butoxyethyl)adipate and Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2-ethylhexanoate.

[0047] According to another aspect, the second constituent comprises propylene carbonate.

[0048] According to yet another aspect, the first constituent comprises di(Butoxyethyl)adipate.

[0049] According to still yet another aspect, the TFE further includes an ionic conductive additive.

[0050] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.

[0051] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

[0052] As used herein, the term "about" means that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversionfactors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. When the term "about" is used in describing a value or an end-point of a range, the disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or end-point referred to. Whether or not a numerical value or end-point of a range in the specification recites "about," the numerical value or end-point of a range is intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about," and one not modified by "about." It will be further understood that the end-points of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other end-point, and independently of the other end-point.

[0053] The terms "substantial," "substantially," and variations thereof as used herein are intended to note that a described feature is equal or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to denote a surface that is planar or approximately planar. Moreover, "substantially" is intended to denote that two values are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" may denote values within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0054] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. 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 interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and / or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, and the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that 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, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications,changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0055] It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

[0056] It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An electrochromic device comprising: a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the second and third surfaces facing each other; a cathodic film including at least one cathodic species coupled to the second surface; an anodic film including at least one anodic species coupled to the third surface; and a thin film electrolyte ("TFE") disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE including a mixed plasticizer with a first constituent and a second constituent, and the anodic species has lower solubility in the first constituent than the cathodic species and a higher solubility in the second constituent than the cathodic species.

2. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein the anodic species includes a blend of polyamide polymers.

3. The electrochromic device of claim 2, wherein the cathodic film includes one or more of a variety of PDOT materials.

4. The electrochromic device as in one of claims 1-3, wherein the second constituent of the mixed plasticizer includes propylene carbonate.

5. The electrochromic device of claim 4, wherein the propylene carbonate is at a lower concentration proximate the anodic film and a higher concentration proximate the cathodic film.

6. The electrochromic device of claim 4, wherein the first constituent of the mixed plasticizer includes di(Butoxyethyl)adipate.

7. The electrochromic device of claim 6, wherein the di(Butoxyethyl)adipate is at a lower concentration proximate the cathodic film and a higher concentration proximate the anodic film.

8. The electrochromic device of claim 4, wherein the first constituent of the mixed plasticizer includes Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2-ethylhexanoate.

9. The electrochromic device as in one of claims 1-3, further including a first conductive layer located between the cathodic film and the first substrate and a second conductive layer located between the anodic film and the second substrate.

10. An electrochromic device comprising: a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the second and third surfaces facing each other; a cathodic film including at least one cathodic species coupled to the second surface; an anodic film including at least one anodic species coupled to the third surface; and a thin film electrolyte ("TFE") disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE including a mixed plasticizer with a constituent at a lower concentration proximate the anodic film and a higher concentration proximate the cathodic film, wherein the anodic species has lower solubility in the constituent than the cathodic species.

11. The electrochromic device of claim 10, wherein the TFE further includes an additional constituent that comprises propylene carbonate.

12. The electrochromic device of claim 11, wherein the constituent comprises di(Butoxyethyl)adipate.

13. The electrochromic device of claim 12, wherein the constituent comprises Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2-ethylhexanoate.

14. The electrochromic device as in one of claims 10-13, wherein the anodic species includes a blend of type A and type B polyamide polymers.

15. The electrochromic device of claim 14, wherein the cathodic species includes thiophene.

16. A vehicle window including the electrochromic device of claim 10.

17. An electrochromic device comprising: a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; a second substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface, the second and third surfaces facing each other; a cathodic film including at least one cathodic species coupled to the second surface; an anodic film including at least one anodic species coupled to the third surface; a thin film electrolyte ("TFE") disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE including a mixed plasticizer with a first constituent and a second constituent, and the anodic species has lower solubility in the first constituent than the cathodic species and a higher solubility in the second constituent than the cathodic species; wherein the first constituent consists of at least one of di(Butoxyethyl)adipate and Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2-ethylhexanoate..

18. The electrochromic device of claim 17, wherein the second constituent comprises propylene carbonate.

19. The electrochromic device of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the first constituent comprises Tri(ethylenglycol)bis-2-ethylhexanoate.

20. The electrochromic device of claim 17, wherein the TFE further includes an ionic conductive additive.

Images