Pi-d Conjugated Coordination Polymer Nanowires for Electrochromic Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochromic smart windows face challenges in achieving concurrent improvements in surface area, electrical conductivity, energy density, coulombic efficiency, and cycling rate capability, limiting their practical usability for both energy storage and electrochromic functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A coordination polymer comprising a transition metal and a tetradentate ligand is used to form an electrochromic energy storage device, allowing for electrical energy storage and optical state changes upon charging and discharging, with a method involving a substrate treated with an aqueous solution of transition metal and ligand precursors and a base to create a nanowire film with enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If coordination polymers are used to provide high surface area and tunable structures, then electrochromic and energy storage properties are improved, but electrical conductivity remains poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter of the coordination polymer by introducing conductive components (graphene, conducting polymers, metal nanoparticles) to transform it from an insulating to a conductive material, enabling simultaneous electrochromic and energy storage functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite materials by combining coordination polymers with conductive materials (graphene, conducting polymers like polyaniline, metal nanoparticles) to achieve both high surface area and good electrical conductivity in a single electrode structure
2Illumination intensity
If high energy density electrochromic materials are developed, then optical transmittance is improved, but surface area and electrical conductivity become difficult to achieve concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode structure into hierarchical levels (nanowires, nanoparticles, porous networks) to maximize surface area while maintaining optical transmittance through controlled light scattering and absorption mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous coordination polymer structures with controlled pore sizes and distributions to achieve high surface area for energy storage while maintaining optical transparency through pore sizes smaller than visible light wavelengths
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrode materials are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but cycling rate capability and coulombic efficiency remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D planar electrode structures to 3D hierarchical nanowire networks, enabling faster ion transport pathways and higher cycling rates while maintaining manufacturability through solution-based deposition methods
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 resulting device exhibits high gravimetric and volumetric capacities, large optical modulation, and durability through 10,000 cycles, demonstrating superior electrochemical and electrochromic performance, making it suitable for smart windows and energy storage applications.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromic and energy storage functionalities may be rendered from electrochemical redox reactions
Implementation Method 2
the first electrode comprises a coordination polymer... render the first electrode operable to: (i) store electrical energy and at the same time change from a first optical state to a second optical state upon electrical charging
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic energy storage device disclosed herein comprises a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in an electrolyte, wherein the first electrode comprises a coordination polymer, wherein the coordination polymer comprises a transition metal and a tetradentate ligand conjugated to the transition metal, wherein the transition metal and the tetradentate ligand render the first electrode operable to (i) store electrical energy and at the same time change its optical state upon electrical charging of the electrochromic energy storage device, and (ii) release electrical energy stored therein and at the same time change its optical state upon electrical discharge of the electrochromic energy storage device. A method of forming the electrochromic energy storage device and a method of forming an electrochromic energy storage film are disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, the first electrode is prepared by growing one dimensional π-d conjugated coordination polymer nanowires film comprising metallic nickel nodes and organic linkers of 1,2,4,5-benzenetetramine (BTA) on a transparent fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting substrate.