Amorphous Electrochromic Polymer Blends for Low-Temperature Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochromic systems face challenges in achieving uniformity, consistency, efficiency, and durability, particularly in all solid-state systems, where high operating temperatures are required due to the crystalline to amorphous state transition, and there is a need for elastomeric electrochromic polymers that can be easily manufactured and covalently bonded to electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The development of amorphous polymer blends comprising polyalkylene oxide and electrochromic moieties, along with an ion source, which exhibit improved color uniformity and long lifetimes by incorporating specific functional groups for enhanced electrode contact and conductivity, allowing for the creation of elastomeric films and coatings suitable for laminate structures in various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If polymeric electrolyte systems are used for electrochromic devices, then electrochromic functionality is achieved, but high operating temperatures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by blending amorphous polymer with electrochromic moieties and plasticizers to create a system that achieves electrochromic functionality at lower temperatures. The composite structure combines the benefits of each component: the amorphous polymer provides the matrix, the electrochromic moieties provide the color-changing functionality, and the plasticizers lower the glass transition temperature enabling operation below 100°C.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer system by incorporating plasticizers that reduce the glass transition temperature (Tg) from above 60°C to below 100°C. This parameter change enables the electrochromic system to operate at lower temperatures while maintaining conductivity and electrochromic functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional electrochromic polymers are used, then electrochromic properties are achieved, but uniformity and consistency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves homogeneity by carefully selecting and blending amorphous polymers with specific electrochromic moieties and plasticizers in defined ratios. The amorphous structure of the polymer matrix ensures uniform distribution of electrochromic species, while the plasticizers ensure homogeneous mixing and consistent properties throughout the material, leading to uniform coloration and consistent device performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring that the electrochromic moieties are uniformly distributed within the amorphous polymer matrix, with specific functional groups positioned to enhance electrode contact. This local optimization of molecular arrangement and functional group distribution leads to improved color uniformity and consistent electrochromic response across the device.
3Ease of manufacture
If elastomeric electrochromic polymers are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but bonding to electrodes and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer by incorporating functional groups (such as carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) that enhance bonding to electrodes. These functional groups form strong intermolecular bonds or covalent bonds with electrode surfaces, significantly improving adhesion and durability while maintaining the elastomeric properties and ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining amorphous polymer with electrochromic moieties and plasticizers to create a system that achieves electrochromic functionality at lower temperatures. The composite structure combines the benefits of each component: the amorphous polymer provides the matrix, the electrochromic moieties provide the color-changing functionality, and the plasticizers lower the glass transition temperature enabling operation below 100°C.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The amorphous polymer blends demonstrate good color uniformity and contrast, achieving long lifetimes and efficient coloration by improving contact with electrodes, enabling reversible optical property changes with low voltage, suitable for applications in architectural and vehicular glazing, displays, and signage.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromic systems based on polymeric electrolytes are known. One example comprises polyethylene oxide and lithium salts.
Implementation Method 2
The electrochromophore component comprises a polyalkylene polymer copolymerized with an electrochromic moiety
Implementation Method 3
the conductivity is a property of the amorphous, elastomeric phase, and the transition from the crystalline to amorphous state for the PEO/Li complexes occurs above about 60° C.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to electrochromic electrolyte polymer blends. These blends comprise an amorphous polymer and an electrochromophore component. The electrochromophore component comprises a polyalkylene polymer copolymerized with an electrochromic moiety. The blends can be used to make elastomeric films and coatings that can be used in laminates, which can be used to form manufactured articles such as architectural and vehicular glazing, eyewear, displays and signage.