Composite electrochromic material, and preparation method therefor and application thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic materials for textiles suffer from poor durability, fatigue resistance, flexibility, and maintain stable color-changing functions under severe deformation.
Innovation Solution
A composite electrochromic material comprising a core layer of a conductive mixture with liquid metal and carboxylated carbon nanotubes, a skin layer with electrochromic function, and a flexible protective layer, designed to enhance deformation ability and maintain stable color changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing electrochromic materials are used in textiles, then color-changing function is achieved, but durability and fatigue resistance are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a core layer containing liquid metal and carboxylated carbon nanotubes, a skin layer with electrochromic materials, and a protective layer. This multi-layer composite design enhances durability by distributing mechanical stress across different functional layers, preventing electrochromic material damage while maintaining color-changing functionality through repeated use.
2Reliability
If metal wire fiber is used to provide conductivity, then electrochromic function is improved, but flexibility and deformation ability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid metal wire fibers with a liquid metal-based conductive system. The liquid metal is encapsulated within the core layer along with carboxylated carbon nanotubes, creating a flexible conductive network that can deform with the textile while maintaining electrical conductivity for electrochromic actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive mixture of liquid metal and carboxylated carbon nanotubes is encapsulated within the core layer structure, creating a flexible shell that contains the conductive materials. This flexible encapsulation allows the system to bend and deform without breaking the conductive pathways, unlike rigid metal wires.
3Ease of manufacture
If continuous dipping and coating method is used, then electrochromic film is formed, but preparation conditions are harsh and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a co-extrusion process that changes the manufacturing parameters from high-temperature heat treatment to a lower-temperature extrusion process. The electrochromic materials are incorporated into the polymer matrix during extrusion, eliminating the need for harsh post-coating heat treatment steps while still achieving proper film formation and material integration.
4Reliability
If electrochromic electrolyte layer is coated on fiber, then electrochromic function is achieved, but layer peeling occurs under large deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-layer composite structure where the electrochromic materials are embedded within a polymer matrix in the skin layer, rather than being coated as a separate layer. The core layer contains carboxylated carbon nanotubes that provide structural support and adhesion between layers, preventing peeling under deformation while maintaining electrochromic functionality.
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 composite material achieves excellent deformation ability, stable and sensitive color changes, and good fatigue resistance, even under severe deformation, thereby addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromic materials can undergo stable and reversible color changes under the action of an applied electric field
Implementation Method 2
the material of the core layer comprises a conductive mixture with fluidity, and the conductive mixture comprises liquid metal and carboxylated carbon nanotubes
Data Source
AI summary
A composite electrochromic material, a preparation method therefor and an application thereof, the material comprising a core layer, a skin layer having an electrochromic function, and a light-transmitting protective layer formed by a flexible polymer material, that are arranged in sequence. The material of the core layer comprises a fluid conductive mixture, which comprises liquid metal and carboxylated carbon nanotubes. The preparation method comprises: carrying out spinning by co-extrusion using a three-channel nozzle to form hollow double-layer fibers each having a skin layer and a protective layer as well as a cavity, injecting the conductive mixture into the cavity of the hollow double-layer fiber. The material has excellent deformation ability, stable and sensitive color changing function, and a controllable deformation degree. The material has a stable color changing function even in the case of severe defomation, good fatigue resistance, and is suitable for the preparation of intelligent textiles.