Crosslinked Electrochromic Layers for Full-Color Palette
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic devices face challenges in achieving a full-color palette and multicolor capability due to complex synthesis requirements, phase separation issues, and the need for sophisticated device structures or material selection, making it difficult to produce a wide range of colors efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic device with multiple layers, including a crosslinked electrochromic layer that provides solvent resistance, allowing for the stacking of electrochromic polymers with different colors, such as cyan, magenta, and yellow, with specific film thickness ratios to achieve desired colors, and a method to control electrochromism by adjusting electrochromic materials and layer thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional synthesis methods are used to achieve full-color palette, then color variety is improved, but synthesis complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the color generation function into separate electrochromic layers, each containing a different electrochromic polymer (ECP) that produces a primary color (cyan, magenta, yellow). By segmenting the color generation into distinct layers rather than using a single complex synthesis approach, the system achieves full-color capability while simplifying the synthesis process for each individual layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures by combining multiple electrochromic polymer layers with different color properties. Each layer is made from separately synthesized ECPs with specific molecular structures tuned to produce desired colors, and these layers are stacked together to create the full-color palette effect, avoiding the need for complex single-material synthesis.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various ECPs are physically blended to achieve color mixing, then color selection is improved, but phase separation and intermediate color issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of physically blending different ECPs in a single layer which causes phase separation, the invention segments each ECP into its own separate layer. This segmentation prevents contact between incompatible polymers, eliminating phase separation issues while still allowing color mixing through the stacked layer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an ion storage layer as an intermediary between the electrochromic polymer layers. This intermediate layer serves as a buffer that allows ion transport between layers while preventing direct contact and interaction between the different ECPs, thereby avoiding phase separation and unwanted intermediate colors during the electrochromic switching process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrochromic layers are stacked to achieve multicolor capability, then color palette is improved, but device structure complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The ion storage layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an intermediary between ECP layers, provides ion storage capacity for the electrochromic switching, and facilitates ion transport between layers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while enabling multicolor capability through layered stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a uniform stacked structure where each layer follows the same basic architecture (electrochromic polymer layer followed by ion storage layer), creating a homogeneous repeating pattern. This standardized layer configuration simplifies the device structure design and manufacturing process compared to using different complex structures for each color layer.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional ECP layers are used without crosslinking, then ease of deposition is improved, but solvent resistance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical-chemical parameter of the ECP layer by introducing crosslinking between polymer chains. This crosslinking transforms the ECP layer from a soluble state to an insoluble state, providing solvent resistance while maintaining the ease of deposition during the manufacturing process. The crosslinked structure prevents solvent penetration and polymer dissolution after deposition.
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 enables the production of a wide range of colors, including black with minimized intermediate colors, and allows for flexible and efficient multicolor capability, enriching the color wheel while maintaining optical and electrochemical performance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochromic device with a plurality of electrochromic layers... a method to control the electrochromism or multicolor electrochromism of an electrochromic device
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic device has a plurality of electrochromic layers stacked sequentially with underlying electrochromic layers crosslinked. The crosslinked electrochromic layers are solution-processable without compromising their optical and electrochromic performances. The disclosed electrochromic device can produce a full-color palette with a minimized intermediate color and show a multicolor capability. Multilayer electrochromic polymer patterns with surface texture information are made. The method for controlling electrochromism or multicolor electrochromism is discussed.