Catechol Electrochromic Matrix for Low-Voltage Permanent Color Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a scarcity of sustainable and economically advantageous irreversible organic electrochromic materials that can change color irreversibly upon application of a low voltage, which are essential for applications like smart labels and tags, especially in the food and pharmaceutical supply chains, where precise monitoring of product quality is critical.
Innovation Solution
Development of an irreversible electrochromic device using a metal-free catechol-based molecule, such as dopamine, which irreversibly changes its properties upon application of a potential less than 3 V, integrated with an antioxidant to prevent spontaneous oxidation, and manufactured using low-cost, high-volume processing methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If reversible electrochromic materials are used, then the device can be reset and reused, but irreversible materials are needed for static information display applications like labels and tags
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional reversible electrochromic approach by employing irreversible electrochromic materials. Instead of using materials that can cycle between states, the invention uses materials that permanently transition from a colored to a bleached state, which is the opposite of typical reversible behavior. This inversion enables permanent information display for applications like labels and tags where reset capability is not needed.
2Reliability
If inorganic electrochromic materials are used, then the device has good stability, but organic materials provide broader color palette and faster response times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs organic electrochromic materials, specifically viologens and other organic compounds, which combine the advantages of both inorganic and organic material classes. These organic materials provide a broader color palette and faster response times compared to inorganic materials, while maintaining sufficient stability for permanent display applications through careful material selection and device design.
3Ease of manufacture
If high-volume processing methods are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but material quality and precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent is designed for disposable or single-use applications such as labels, tags, and tickets. The device is optimized for low-cost manufacturing using high-volume processing methods, accepting that the device will not be reused. This approach prioritizes manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction over long-term durability and precision, which is appropriate for single-use information display applications.
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 device provides a persistent, visually recognizable color change without requiring further energy input, suitable for long-term use in tags and labels, ensuring product quality monitoring and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is the visible change in transmittance and/or reflectance of a material, associated with an electrochemically induced oxidation-reduction reaction
Implementation Method 2
The color change is commonly between a transparent ('bleached') state and a colored state, or between two colored states. This optical change is usually obtained upon application of a small electric current generated by low potentials
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to novel organic (i.e., metal-free) catechol-based irreversible electrochromic matrix, wherein a catechol-based molecule irreversibly changes its properties upon application of an electrically-induced stimulus. The invention further relates to the production of irreversible electrochromic devices comprising a repository containing the catechol-based molecule, to the manufacture of said electrochromic devices and to the use thereof.