Copper Oxide Electrochromic Coatings for Black-to-Transparent Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic materials struggle to achieve reversible color change between black and transparent states, particularly inorganic materials lacking stability and suitability for light-controlling glass applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of a black electrochromic material using copper oxide nanoparticles derived from basic copper carbonate, dispersed in a weakly acidic solvent, and combined with other oxide-based electrochromic materials to form a coating material that exhibits reversible color change between black and transparent states, along with a color-variable electrode and electrochromic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If organic polymer materials are used to achieve black color, then color performance is improved, but light resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from organic polymer to inorganic nanoparticle (copper oxide), fundamentally altering the material's optical and chemical properties to achieve both black color and light resistance simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite system by dispersing copper oxide nanoparticles in a solvent matrix, combining the optical properties of inorganic nanoparticles with the processability of a composite coating material
2Reliability
If inorganic materials are used to improve light resistance, then reliability is improved, but color change reversibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the particle size parameter of copper oxide nanoparticles to 1-100 nm, which enables reversible electrochromic color change while maintaining the light resistance advantages of inorganic materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional bulk inorganic materials with nanoscale copper oxide particles, where quantum confinement effects enable reversible redox reactions that achieve both stability and color change reversibility
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional inorganic materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but film smoothness and transparency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the particle size of copper oxide nanoparticles within 1-100 nm and adjusts their concentration in the coating material to achieve smooth, transparent thin films while maintaining simple manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures uniform distribution of copper oxide nanoparticles throughout the coating material, creating locally homogeneous regions that form smooth, defect-free thin films on the electrode surface
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 solution provides a stable and efficient electrochromic material that achieves a significant absorbance difference between colored and transparent states, suitable for light-controlling glass applications, enhancing light resistance and film formation.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochromic device (ECD) is a color-variable device that uses an electrochromic material (EC material), whose color changes by electrochemical redox reaction
Implementation Method 2
the black electrochromic material comprises one or more nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of copper oxide nanoparticles that are heat-treated products of basic copper carbonate
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
To provide an electrochromic material and a method for producing the same, which are used in a coating material that exhibits reversible color change between black and transparent, as well as a coating material and a mixed coating material containing the electrochromic material and methods for producing the same, a color-variable electrode, and an electrochromic device. [Solution] A black electrochromic material that reversibly changes color between black and transparent through an electrochemical redox reaction, comprising one or more nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of copper oxide nanoparticles that are heat-treated products of basic copper carbonate, titanium oxide nanoparticles, titanium nitride nanoparticles, nickel oxide nanoparticles, nickel hydroxide nanoparticles, zirconium oxide nanoparticles, and metallic iridium nanoparticles.