Core-Shell Electrochromic Nanoparticles for Black-Series Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochromic materials struggle to implement various colors and high shielding properties due to the limitation of a single material participating in discoloration, leading to thick and inefficient electrochromic devices.

Innovation Solution

Electrochromic nanoparticles with a core-shell structure are developed, where different electrochromic materials with varying absorption spectra are adsorbed on a core, enhancing shielding ability and allowing a single electrochromic layer to achieve a black-series color, thereby minimizing device thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single electrochromic material is used for discoloration, then the device structure is simple, but the color variety and shielding properties are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor varietyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrochromic materials with different absorption spectra into a single core-shell nanoparticle structure. The core contains one electrochromic material while the shell contains another, allowing the nanoparticle to exhibit combined color properties and enhanced shielding across a broader spectrum when dispersed in the electrolyte layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite electrochromic nanoparticles by integrating different electrochromic materials into a core-shell architecture. This composite structure enables the materials to work synergistically, achieving superior shielding properties and color variety that cannot be obtained with single-material systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple electrochromic layers are used to achieve black-series color, then the shielding ability is improved, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding abilityVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple electrochromic layers into a single layer by incorporating multi-material core-shell nanoparticles. This allows the device to achieve the shielding ability of multiple layers while maintaining a thinner overall structure, as the nanoparticles themselves contain multiple functional materials in one particle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where one electrochromic material is embedded within the core and another is embedded within the shell of the nanoparticle. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional materials to be packed into a compact form, achieving high shielding ability without increasing device thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If different electrochromic materials with varying absorption spectra are combined, then the shielding spectrum is broadened, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding spectrumVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the different electrochromic materials into distinct core and shell regions of the nanoparticle. This segmentation allows each material to be optimized for specific wavelength ranges while maintaining a systematic manufacturing approach through controlled deposition processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent assigns different electrochromic materials to specific locations within the nanoparticle structure (core vs. shell), giving each region a specialized function. The core material handles specific absorption requirements while the shell material addresses other spectral regions, allowing optimized performance with manageable manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 core-shell structure provides excellent shielding against visible rays and enables the production of a black-series electrochromic device with improved transmittance and reduced thickness, overcoming the limitations of single-material-based devices.

Implementation Method 1

Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which coloration or decolorization is performed by electrochemical oxidation or reduction reaction depending on the direction of application of electric current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

the absorption spectrum of the electrochromic material is changed by oxidation or reduction reaction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption Spectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Implementation Method 3

adsorbing different types of electrochromic materials on the surface of the core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3450522B1Electrochromic nanoparticles and method for producing same
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3450522B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3450522B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3450522B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to electrochromic nanoparticles having a core-shell structure, and a method for producing the same. In order to achieve the above or other objectives, an aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing electrochromic nanoparticles having a core-shell structure, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a core having a predetermined particle diameter; and adsorbing different types of electrochromic materials on the surface of the core, wherein the electrochromic materials have different absorption spectra. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide electrochromic nanoparticles having excellent shielding ability against visible rays and a method for producing the same.