Color Tone Variable Film via Wet Method Ion Complex
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing color tone variable films, particularly those using electrochromic materials, are limited by the need for vapor phase deposition, which is costly and unsuitable for flexible applications, and struggle with forming uniform films with sufficient electrochromic material concentration due to low solubility issues with compounds like TCNQ and tungsten oxide.
Innovation Solution
A wet method involving a reaction between a cationic polymer with a positive ionic group and a compound containing an acid group at a liquid-liquid interface to form a self-supporting ion complex film, allowing for flexible and strong color tone variable films that change color sensitively with energy application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vapor phase deposition is used to form color tone variable films, then film formation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vapor phase deposition system with a chemical solution-based wet method. The electrochromic compound is dissolved in a solvent and applied to the substrate, then the solvent is removed to form the film. This substitution eliminates the need for vacuum deposition equipment while maintaining film formation capability and enabling flexible substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrochromic compound from solid (requiring vapor deposition) to dissolved form in solvent (enabling wet method application). By altering the parameter of material state and application method, the invention achieves low-cost manufacturing while maintaining film quality and flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional solution methods are used to form films, then manufacturing simplicity is achieved, but film uniformity and sufficient material concentration cannot be obtained due to low solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent selection parameter to match the solubility characteristics of the electrochromic compound. By choosing an appropriate solvent system, the invention achieves uniform dissolution and subsequent uniform film formation, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and film precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solvent as an intermediary medium that facilitates the uniform distribution of the electrochromic compound before film formation. The solvent acts as a carrier that ensures homogeneous material concentration throughout the film, enabling both simple manufacturing and precise film uniformity.
3Ease of operation
If highly soluble compounds are used to improve film formation, then coating is easier, but the compounds lack sufficient electrochromic activity due to dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the solvent selection and concentration parameters to achieve the right balance between coating ease and material concentration. By adjusting these parameters, the invention enables easy coating while maintaining sufficient electrochromic material concentration for active performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures that the electrochromic compound achieves appropriate concentration in the film region where it is needed. Through controlled solution application and solvent evaporation, the invention creates local quality variation that optimizes both coating processability and electrochromic activity in the final film.
4Use of energy by moving object
If TCNQ derivatives are used to achieve low drive voltage, then electrochromic performance is improved, but film formation requires vapor deposition increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vapor phase deposition with a wet method using solution-based application for TCNQ derivative films. This substitution maintains the low drive voltage electrochromic performance of TCNQ derivatives while eliminating the need for expensive vacuum deposition equipment, achieving both low energy consumption and ease of manufacture.
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
This approach enables the simple and cost-effective production of flexible color tone variable films with high sensitivity to energy, suitable for various applications including electrochromic elements, by forming a poorly soluble ion complex film using a cationic polymer and an acid group-containing compound.
Implementation Method 1
a color tone variable film which is formed by a reaction of a cationic polymer containing a structural unit containing a positive ionic group in a side chain and a compound containing an acid group
Implementation Method 2
an electrochromic coloring material or a photochromic coloring material, and changes color tone by energy application
Implementation Method 3
an electrochromic polymer having a TTF (tetrathiafluvalene) skeleton as the main component changes color by oxidation-reduction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a color tone variable film which is formed by a reaction of a cationic polymer containing a structural unit containing a positive ionic group in a side chain and a compound containing an acid group and a partial structure which can change color tone as a result of energy application, which can be formed by a wet method, which has flexibility and strength in practical use, and which changes color tone with high sensitivity as a result of energy application, a simple manufacturing method thereof, and an electrochromic element obtained by the manufacturing method.