Electrochromic Element Anion Oxidation Potential
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochromic elements using viologen derivatives and conductor or semiconductor nano-structures lack sufficient understanding of how counter anions affect their properties, particularly in terms of transparency in the bleached state, leading to inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a monovalent anion with an oxidation potential higher than the reduction potential of the dication by 3.1 V or greater in the electrochromic compound, which is deposited on conductor or semiconductor nano-structures, to achieve high transparency in the bleached state by maintaining a low yellow index value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional counter anions (Br-, Cl-, I-, OTf-, ClO4-, PF6-, BF4-) are used in electrochromic elements with viologen derivatives, then the element can function, but the transparency in the bleached state is insufficient and performance is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of anion oxidation potential to resolve the contradiction. By selecting anions with oxidation potentials of 3.1 V or higher (such as (FSO2)2N-, (CF3SO2)2N-, (CN)4B-), the patent achieves both high bleached state transparency and consistent performance. This parameter change directly addresses the insufficient transparency issue while maintaining reliable electrochromic function.
2Illumination intensity
If viologen derivative is deposited on conductor or semiconductor nano-structures to achieve high optical density, then coloring performance is improved, but the impact of counter anion types on transparency and overall performance becomes significant and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent identifies oxidation potential as the critical parameter that was previously overlooked. By establishing the threshold of 3.1 V or higher for anion oxidation potential, the patent provides a clear selection criterion that ensures both high optical density and consistent performance, resolving the unpredictability issue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If various anion types are used without considering their oxidation potentials, then the electrochromic element can be manufactured with different materials, but the transparency and performance characteristics vary significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the selection criterion from a broad material choice to a specific parameter-based selection (oxidation potential ≥ 3.1 V). This approach maintains versatility in anion selection while achieving precise control over transparency characteristics, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and precision.
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
This approach results in electrochromic elements with consistent high transparency in the bleached state, as evidenced by low yellow index values, even when the device itself may exhibit high color due to electrode colors, thereby improving the reliability and performance of electrochromic displays.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon where a redox reaction is performed reversibly to reversibly change a color
Implementation Method 2
The electrochromism is typically realized by a redox reaction occurred in a structure where an ion-conducting electrolyte layer is formed between a pair of electrodes
Implementation Method 3
an anion of the electrolyte is a monovalent anion having an oxidaization potential higher than a reduction potential of a dication of General Formula (1) by 3.1 V or greater
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic element including: a first electrode; a second electrode disposed to face the first electrode with a gap between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first electrochromic layer disposed on or above the first electrode, including conductor or semiconductor nano-structures and an electrochromic compound; and an electrolyte layer including an electrolyte, disposed between the first electrochromic layer and the second electrode, wherein the electrochromic compound is a compound represented by General Formula 1, and an anion of the electrolyte is a monovalent anion having oxidation potential higher than reduction potential of a dication of General Formula 1 by 3.1 V or greater,where X− is a monovalent anion having oxidation potential higher than reduction potential of the dication of General Formula 1 by 3.1 V or greater and W2+ is the dication represented by General Formula 2,