Electrochromic Device Auxiliary Electrode Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrochromic devices have slow response speeds and metal elution issues from auxiliary electrodes, and lack control over transmittance during coloring and decoloring.
Innovation Solution
The electrochromic device incorporates first and second auxiliary electrode layers on opposite surfaces of the electrochromic layers with an electrolyte layer in between, using metal mesh or metal strip patterns with insulation portions to control transmittance and prevent metal elution, and are arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically to enhance response speed and transmittance control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional ITO electrode is used, then the device structure is simple, but the response speed is slow due to high resistance causing voltage drop
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into multiple auxiliary electrode layers (first auxiliary electrode layer and second auxiliary electrode layer) positioned at different locations within the electrochromic device. This segmentation reduces the resistance path length and distributes the current flow, thereby improving response speed while maintaining voltage stability across the wide-area device.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulation layer is introduced as an intermediary between the auxiliary electrode layers and the electrolyte layer. This insulation layer prevents direct contact that would cause metal elution, while still allowing the auxiliary electrodes to function effectively in improving response speed without compromising device reliability.
2Speed
If auxiliary electrode is added to improve response speed, then the response speed increases, but metal elution occurs from the auxiliary electrode
Solution Approach 1:
An insulation layer is introduced as an intermediary between the auxiliary electrode layers and the electrolyte layer. This insulation layer prevents direct contact that would cause metal elution, while still allowing the auxiliary electrodes to function effectively in improving response speed without compromising device reliability.
3Speed
If auxiliary electrode layer is added to improve response speed, then the response speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation layer is designed as a thin film structure that provides the necessary insulation function while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity. The thin film approach allows the auxiliary electrodes to be integrated into the existing device architecture with minimal additional complexity.
4Speed
If the auxiliary electrode covers larger area, then the response speed improves, but the transmittance control becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary electrode is segmented into multiple layers positioned at different locations, allowing different regions to serve different functions. This segmentation enables both rapid response through extensive electrode coverage and adjustable transmittance by controlling the specific positioning and configuration of the segmented electrode layers.
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 configuration improves response speed, prevents metal elution, and allows for adjustable transmittance during coloring and decoloring, enabling high-speed driving and precise light control.
Implementation Method 1
The electrochromic device refers to an element that utilizes a reversible color change appearing when an electrochromic material causes an electrochemical oxidation or reduction reaction
Implementation Method 2
it was necessary to introduce a transparent electrode having a low resistance. In particular, the conventional ITO electrode caused a difference in the discoloration response speed by a voltage drop occurring in a wide area electrochromic device due to a high resistance
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an electrochromic device, and according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrochromic device comprising a first electrode layer, a first electrochromic layer provided on the first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer provided on the first electrochromic layer, a second electrochromic layer provided on the electrolyte layer and a second electrode layer provided on the second electrochromic layer, wherein the electrochromic device comprises a first auxiliary electrode layer and a second auxiliary electrode layer each provided on each opposite surface of the first electrochromic layer and the second electrochromic layer opposed to each other with the electrolyte layer interposed therebetween.