Additive for electro-optic element

Abstract

An electro-optic 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 is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film is coupled to the third surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film. The TFE includes at least one of a plasticizer or a solvent and further includes a base additive.

Description

Atty. Docket No. AUTO 05194T GEN010 FP1407AWOADDITIVE FOR ELECTRO-OPTIC ELEMENTCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) upon U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 747,131, entitled "ADDITIVE FOR ELECTRO-OPTIC ELEMENT" filed on January 20, 2025, by Leroy J. Kloeppner et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to an electro-optic device with a base additive for neutralizing the presence of any acidic formation.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic 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 is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film is coupled to the third surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film. The TFE includes at least one of a plasticizer or a solvent and further includes a base additive.

[0004] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic 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 is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film is coupled to the third surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film. The TFE includes at least one of a plasticizer or a solvent and further includes a base additive with a conjugate acid that has a pKa value in water of 2.0 to 7.0.

[0005] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic 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 thirdsurface. The first and second substrates are disposed with the second and third surfaces facing each other. A cathodic film is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film 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 solvent and / or plasticizer and a base additive. The base additive is selected from a group comprising, a carboxylate, an acetate, a salicylate, or a combination thereof.

[0006] The present disclosure generally provides an electro-optic device with a base additive for neutralizing the presence of any acidic formation. Typically, during assembly and use, an acid impurity can form in the electro-optic device based on exposure to environmental conditions, for example, high humidity, heat, and / or solar load. The acid can degrade the electro-optic device over time, decreasing the operational life. The base additive, therefore, is added to the electro-optic device to neutralize any formation of the acid. In this manner, the base additive is provided as precautionary to stabilize the electrooptic device in the event of acid formation.

[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 electro-optic device, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2A is a graphical illustration depicting the continued operational degradation of an electro-optic device when the electro-optic device without a base additive, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 2B is a graphical illustration depicting the continued operational degradation of an electro-optic device when the electro-optic device includes a base additive, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a vehicle incorporating an electro-optic assembly, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 3B is an upper perspective view of an aircraft incorporating an electro-optic assembly, according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 3C is a front elevational view of a building incorporating an electro-optic assembly, according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0015] FIG. 3D is an upper perspective view of an eyewear assembly incorporating an electro-optic assembly, according to an aspect of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to an electro-optic device with a base additive for neutralizing or sequestering the presence of any acid that forms during the normal environmental weathering of the electro-optic device. 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Referring initially to FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 generally designates an electrooptic device. The electro-optic device 10 (e.g., an electrochromic device) 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 is coupled to the second surface 16 and an anodic film 26 is coupled to the third surface 20. An electro-optic medium, such as a thin film electrolyte ("TFE") 28 is disposed between the cathodic film 24 and the anodic film 26. The TFE 28 includes a plasticizer and a base additive. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the anodic layer 26 and cathodic layer 24 may be switched, such that the anodic layer 26 is coupled to the second surface 16 and the cathodic layer 24 is coupled to the third surface 20.

[0020] As will be described in greater detail below, during assembly and use, an acid impurity can form in the TFE 28 based on exposure to environmental conditions, for example, high humidity, heat, and / or solar load. The acid can degrade the electro-optic device 10 over time, decreasing the operational life of the electro-optic device 10. The base additive, therefore, is added to the TFE 28 to neutralize any formation of the acid. In this manner, the TFE 28, the cathodic film 24, and / or the anodic film 26 may be defined as including one or more substances that are susceptible to acid formation when exposed to environmental conditions (e.g., water, heat, and / or solar load). The acid may be present or not present in the TFE 28. When present, the acid may be in any quantity. Generally speaking, the TFE 28 will ideally not include any acid and the base additive is provided as precautionary to stabilize the electro-optic device 10 in the event of acid formation.

[0021] With continued reference to FIG. 1, the electro-optic device 10 may further include a first barrier layer 30 and a second barrier layer 32. The barrier layers 30, 32 may protect the TFE 28, the cathodic film 24, and / or the anodic film 26 from oxygen, water, and other matter that may degrade the operational life of the electro-optic device 10 (e.g., via the formation of an acid impurity). The electro-optic device 10 may also include a first conductive layer 34 located between the cathodic film 24 and the second surface 16 (e.g.,the first barrier layer 30) and a second conductive layer 36 located between the anodic film 26 and the third surface 20 (e.g., the second barrier layer 32). 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 (e.g., indium tin oxide (ITO), F:SnO2 (FTO), 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, tape, adhesive, and / or the like 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 and powered with conductive 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] The TFE 28 may, for example, be a gel or solid state. At least one of the cathodic film 24 and the anodic film 26 may be electrochromic. For example, the cathodic film 24 and the anodic film 26 may be electrochromic, the cathodic film 24 only, or the anodic film 26 only. In this manner, 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 10%, 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 anodic film 26 and the fourth surface 22 or on the fourth surface 22 such that increasing the transmissive state increases the amount of reflected light.

[0023] The electro-optic device 10 may contain one or more electroactive materials and, more particularly, the term "electroactive" as used herein refers to a material that can undergo a modification in its oxidation state upon exposure to a particular electrical potential difference. The term "electrochromic," as used herein, refers to an electroactive 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 electro-optic device can exhibit a change in transparency as a result of electrochemical oxidation and reduction reactions that occur between electroactive components (e.g., the anodic components and the cathodic components), 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 electro-optic 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] With reference now to FIGS. 1-2B, the TFE may include a solvent and / or plasticizer, such as an organic carbonate, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), propylene carbonate (PC), ethylene carbonate (EC), a combination of PC and EC, an organic polymer, such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), an electrolyte salt, such as lithium perchlorate LiCIC and / or tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (Et4NBF4), and the base additive. The base additive may be a base whose conjugate acid has a sufficiently larger pKa than the pKa of the undesirable acid impurity formed in the electro-optic device and / or at a concentration high enough to sufficiently neutralize the effects of an undesirable acid. For example, the base additive may be a conjugate base of carboxylic acid, or a carboxylate. The pKa of the conjugate acid of the carboxylate in water is about 2.9 to 7.0. For example, about 2.9 to 6.5, about 2.9 to 6.3, about 2.9 to 6.0, about 2.9 to 5.5, about 2.9 to 5.0, about 2.9 to 4.5, about 6.0-6.5, over about 6.0, over about 6.1, over about 6.2, or about 6.3 including ranges between any of these stated values. For purposes of this disclosure, the base additive may be a conjugate base of a weak acid having a pKa sufficiently larger (more positive) than the acid which is expected to form from the TFE 28 on exposure to water, or having a pKa sufficiently larger (more positive) than the acid which the TFE 28 is expected to be exposed to. The base additive may also include a counterion, such as Na+ or Li+, for example,lithium acetate or a counterion tetraalkylammonium, such as tetrabutylammonium in the case of tetrabutylammonium acetate ("TBAAc"). The base additive may also be compatible and / or soluble in the solvent and / or plasticizer or the TFE 28. In some implementations, the selected base additive and its byproduct, upon protonation (or any other reaction of the base additive in the part), is substantially soluble and remains substantially soluble within the electrolyte when the electro-optic device 10 is in the inactive state, the intermediate states, and the active state so as not to affect the optical clarity of the electrooptic device 10. In some implementations, the selected base additive is electrochemically stable across the entire electrical potential window applied to the electro-optic device 10 during its primary function. Generally speaking, the selected base additive will not undergo chemical reactions with the electrochromic materials that degrade performance when they are in their inactive, intermediate, or active states.

[0025] In some implementations, the base additive may be provided at about 1% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., 3% or less, 2% or less, 1% or less, between about 0.5% and about 1%). In some implementations, the solvent and / or plasticizer may be about 60% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 55% and about 65%), about 50% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 45% and about 55%), about 40% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 35% and about 45%), about 30% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 25% and about 35%), about 20% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 15% and about 25%). The polymer may be about 10% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 5% and about 15%), may be about 20% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 15% and about 25%), about 30% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 25% and about 35%), about 40% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 35% and about 45%), about 50% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 45% and about 55%), about 60% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 55% and about 65%) about 70% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 65% and about 75%), about 80% by weight of the TFE 28 (e.g., between about 75% and about 85%). The electrolyte salt may be about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, or 10% by weight of the TFE 28. The base additive may be about 0.2%, 0.5%, 1%, 2%, or 3% by weight of the TFE 28. It should be appreciated that the constituents of the TFE 28 are exemplary in nature, and, generally speaking, other constituents may be employed that may be at risk of developing one or more acids that can benefit from the neutralizing effects of the base additive.

[0026] With reference now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, an assembly using, for example, organic carbonate solvents and / or plasticizers, like propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, combinations thereof, and / or the like may begin to break down when exposed to water impurities and form dissolved carbon dioxide. While carbon dioxide is not considered acidic, as it is exposed to more water in the electro-optic device 10 due to atmospheric moisture, carbonic acid can form. In this manner, the base additive may be selected from a variety of basic materials to neutralize or sequester the formed carbonic acid. FIGS. 2A and 2B show the darkening and clearing by graphing the percent transmission, as approximated with CIE Y. The devices depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B were subjected to 85 °C while powering these devices between an inactive state (clear for 30 seconds, at 0.5volts) and an active state (dark for 30 seconds, at -0.8volts). When comparing FIG. 2A (i.e., an electro-optic device with no base additive in the TFE 28) and FIG. 2B (i.e., the electro-optic device 10 with about 0.5% to about 1% carboxylate base additive tetraethylammonium 2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]acetate in the TFE 28), two graphics depicting measured change CIE Y upon cycling the device between an on state (or -1.0 volts) and an off state (+1.0 volts) at room temperature are shown.

[0027] The graphic in FIG. 2A depicts the CIE (%) over an 11-week period without a base additive. As depicted, the lowest line shows failure after the 11-week period. When initially exposed to a voltage differential, the electro-optic device in FIG. 2A develops optical density and darkens. The electro-optic device becomes non-functioning as it retains its optical density and essentially stays in an intermediate state (e.g., partially darkened). In discussing color distributions (i.e., spectra of light), it is useful to refer to the Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage's (CIE) 1976 CIELAB Chromaticity Diagram, where CIE Y is a close approximation of transmission of an electro-optic device 10. FIG. 2B, on the other hand, is a graphical illustration depicting the reduction in operational degradation of the electro-optic device 10 when the base additive is included to neutralize the acid. As depicted, the electro-optic device 10 retains the ability to transition between a substantially dark state and a substantially clear state upon cycling the device between - 1.0 volts (dark state) and +1.0 volts (clear state) at room temperature. It should also be appreciated that the graphic in FIG. 2B depicts the CIE (%) over a 21-week period when the base additive has been applied to TFE 28 in the electro-optic device 10 as described above.The lowest line shows continued functionality and the ability to continue to change transmissivity after the 21-week period.

[0028] With reference now to FIGS. 3A-3D, the electro-optic device 10 may be configured as an electro-optic device that is switchable between a substantially transmissive state and a substantially darkened state. In other embodiments, the electro-optic device 10 is configured as an electro-optic device that is switchable between a high reflectance state and a low reflectance state (e.g., by employing one or more transreflective layers, liquid crystal mediums with polarizers, and / or the like). Various embodiments of electro-optic device 10 may be incorporated with one or more structures 38A-38C. For example, FIG.3A illustrates an automobile 38A employing the electro-optic device 10, for example, with an interior rearview mirror assembly (e.g., a full display rearview mirror assembly and / or any rearview mirror assembly with variable transmission), 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 electro-optic 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 electro-optic device 10 (e.g., a front window, side window, heads-up display). FIG. 3C illustrates a building 38C employing electro-optic device 10 (e.g., a window). The building 38C may be a residential building, a commercial building, and / or the like. In some implementations, the window of the building 38C may be a skylight on a roof of the building 38C. Generally speaking, the electro-optic 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 electro-optic 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 heads-up display or other environments wherein electrochromic effects are beneficial, may employ the electro-optic 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 electrooptic device 10.

[0029] 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.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic 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 is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film 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 solvent and / or plasticizer and a base additive.

[0031] According to another aspect, the solvent and / or plasticizer includes an organic carbonate.

[0032] According to another aspect, the organic carbonate includes a propylene carbonate.

[0033] According to yet another aspect, the base additive includes a weak base.

[0034] According to another aspect, a weak base whose conjugated acid has a pKa value in water of 2.9 to 7.0.

[0035] According to yet another aspect, the base additive is a carboxylate.

[0036] According to another aspect, the TFE includes an electrolyte salt.

[0037] According to yet another aspect, the base additive includes tetrabutylammonium acetate ("TBAAc"), lithium salicylate, tetraethylammonium 2-[2-(2- methoxyethoxy)ethoxy] acetate, or combinations thereof.

[0038] According to another aspect, the base additive includes an ammonium salt.

[0039] According to yet another aspect, the base additive includes tetrabutylammonium acetate ("TBAAc").

[0040] According to still another aspect, the base additive is 0.5% to 1% by weight of the TFE.

[0041] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a window includes an electro-optic device with a base additive.

[0042] According to another aspect, a rearview mirror assembly includes an electro-optic device with a base additive.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic 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 surfacesfacing each other. A cathodic film is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film is coupled to the third surface. A thin film electrolyte ("TFE") is disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film. The TFE includes at least one of a plasticizer or a solvent and further includes a base additive with a conjugate acid that has a pKa value in water of 2.0 to 7.0.

[0044] According to another aspect, the base additive includes a weak base whose conjugated acid has a pKa value in water of 2.9 to 5.0.

[0045] According to yet another aspect, a base additive in a thin film electrolyte ("TFE") of an electro-optic device includes a carboxylate.

[0046] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an electro-optic 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 is coupled to the second surface and an anodic film 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 solvent and / or plasticizer and a base additive. The base additive is selected from a group comprising a carboxylate, an acetate, a salicylate, or a combination thereof.

[0047] According to yet another aspect, the base additive is 3% or less by weight of the TFE.

[0048] According to still another aspect, the base additive is 0.5% to 1% by weight of the TFE.

[0049] According to still yet another aspect, the base additive includes a conjugate acid that has a pKa value in water of 2.0 to 7.0.

[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 (electricalor 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, conversion factors, 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 orother 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 electro-optic 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 coupled to the second surface;an anodic film coupled to the third surface; anda thin film electrolyte ("TFE") disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE including at least one of a plasticizer or a solvent and further includes a base additive.

2. The electro-optic device of claim 1, wherein the at least one plasticizer or solvent includes an organic carbonate.

3. The electro-optic device of claim 2, wherein the organic carbonate includes a propylene carbonate.

4. The electro-optic device as in one of claim 1-3, wherein the base additive includes a weak base.

5. The electro-optic device of claim 4, wherein the weak base whose conjugated acid has a pKa value in water of 2.9 to 7.0.

6. The electro-optic devices of claim 4 or 5, wherein the base additive is a carboxylate.

7. The electro-optic devices of claim 6, wherein the TFE includes an electrolyte salt.

8. The electro-optic device as in claim 1, wherein the base additive includes tetrabutylammonium acetate ("TBAAc"), lithium salicylate, tetraethylammonium 2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxyjethoxy] acetate, or combinations thereof.

9. The electro-optic device of claim 8, wherein the base additive includes an ammonium salt of an acetate, salicylate, 2-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy] acetate, or a combination thereof.

10. The electro-optic device of claim 8 or 9, wherein the base additive includes tetrabutylammonium acetate ("TBAAc").

11. The electro-optic device of claim 2, wherein the base additive is 0.5% to 1% by weight of the TFE.

12. A window including the electro-optic device of claim 1.

13. A rearview mirror assembly including the electro-optic device of claim 1.

14. An electro-optic 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 coupled to the second surface;an anodic film coupled to the third surface; anda thin film electrolyte ("TFE") disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE including at least one of a plasticizer or a solvent and further includes a base additive with a conjugate acid that has a pKa value in water of 2.0 to 7.0.

15. The electro-optic device of claim 14, wherein the base additive includes a weak base whose conjugated acid has a pKa value in water of 2.9 to 5.0.

16. The electro-optic devices of claim 14 or 15, wherein the base additive is a carboxylate.

17. An electro-optic 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 coupled to the second surface;an anodic film coupled to the third surface;a thin film electrolyte ("TFE") disposed between the cathodic film and the anodic film, the TFE including at least one of a plasticizer or a solvent and further includes a base additive; andwherein the base additive is selected from a group comprising a carboxylate, an acetate, a salicylate, or a combination thereof.

18. The electro-optic device of claim 17, wherein the base additive is 3% or less by weight of the TFE.

19. The electro-optic device of claim 18, wherein the base additive is 0.5% to 1% by weight of the TFE.

20. The electro-optic device as in one of claims 17-19, wherein the base additive includes a conjugate acid that has a pKa value in water of 2.0 to 7.0.

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