Dynamic Windows Using Alcohol-Modified Aqueous Electrolytes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dynamic glass technologies face challenges such as high voltage requirements, poor electrode robustness, non-uniform deposition, limited temperature stability, and color neutrality, which hinder their widespread adoption in applications requiring durability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an alcohol-based additive into the aqueous electrolyte of dynamic glass devices to extend the temperature range from 0°C to 100°C to -40°C to 110°C, enhancing stability and performance while maintaining rapid and reversible electrodeposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional aqueous electrolytes are used in dynamic glass devices, then rapid and reversible electrodeposition is achieved, but the temperature stability range is limited to 0°C to 100°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte system combining aqueous electrolyte with hydrophilic polymer gel and metal organic framework. This composite structure allows the electrolyte to maintain rapid electrodeposition kinetics while extending operational temperature range from 0-100°C to -40-110°C through the gel matrix that prevents freezing and maintains stability at extreme temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the electrolyte by incorporating hydrophilic polymers and metal organic frameworks, changing the phase behavior and thermal properties. This allows the electrolyte to remain functional across a broader temperature range while maintaining the rapid electrodeposition characteristics of aqueous systems
2Power
If very high voltages are applied to enable electrodeposition, then large over-potentials are achieved to overcome ion pairing, but the electrode robustness deteriorates and lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte composition parameters by adding hydrophilic polymers and metal organic frameworks, which modify the ionic environment and reduce ion pairing effects. This allows electrodeposition to proceed at lower voltages, reducing electrical stress on electrodes and improving their robustness and lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic polymer gel and metal organic framework act as intermediary substances that facilitate ion transport and reduce direct ion pairing in the aqueous electrolyte. This intermediary mechanism reduces the over-potential required for electrodeposition, thereby protecting electrodes from high voltage damage while maintaining deposition efficiency
3Temperature
If conventional non-aqueous gel electrolytes are used, then temperature stability is improved, but the deposition uniformity over large areas becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite electrolyte system that combines the temperature stability of gel electrolytes with the superior ionic conductivity and uniformity of aqueous electrolytes. The hydrophilic polymer gel matrix provides temperature stability while the aqueous nature and metal organic framework components ensure uniform metal deposition across large areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the local properties of the electrolyte by incorporating metal organic frameworks with specific pore structures and hydrophilic polymers that create favorable local environments for uniform ion distribution. This local optimization ensures consistent deposition uniformity across the entire electrode surface while maintaining overall temperature stability
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 dynamic glass devices to operate effectively across a broader temperature range, improving durability, contrast ratio, and response speed, making them suitable for diverse applications while reducing power consumption and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating an alcohol-based additive into the aqueous electrolyte of dynamic glass devices to extend the temperature range from 0°C to 100°C to -40°C to 110°C
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating an alcohol-based additive into the aqueous electrolyte of dynamic glass devices to extend the temperature range from 0°C to 100°C to -40°C to 110°C
Implementation Method 3
dynamic windows based on reversible electrodeposition of metals on transparent electrodes
Implementation Method 4
In response to a voltage applied to the electrodes, metal dissolves from one electrode and deposits on the other
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed toward an electrodeposition-based dynamic glass element comprising an electrolyte that includes an aqueous solvent and an additive, wherein the electrolyte is stable over a temperature range that is greater than the stable temperature range of the aqueous solvent alone. In some embodiments, the freezing point of the electrolyte is lowered by its inclusion of the additive. Additives suitable for use in accordance with the present disclosure include alcohols, metal salts, sugars, cryoprotectants, and the like. In some cases, the freezing point of the aqueous-solvent-based electrolyte is lowered from 0° C. to −40° C. by virtue of the inclusion of the additive. In some cases, the maximum stable temperature of the electrolyte is increased from 100° C. to 110° C. by virtue of the inclusion of the additive.