Electrochromic Compositions With Bound Anodic Counter-Anions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic devices face issues with mass transport imbalance between cathodic and anodic components due to the lack of charge associated with the anodic component, leading to reduced durability and increased manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an electrochromic device design where each counter-anion of the cathodic component is covalently bonded to an anodic component, maintaining a net neutral charge balance and improving mass transport efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the anodic component has no charge associated therewith, then the device structure is simpler, but mass transport imbalance occurs between cathodic and anodic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the charge state parameter of the anodic component from neutral to charged by introducing a charged counter-ion. This allows the anodic component to participate in charge transport, balancing the mass transport between cathodic and anodic components while maintaining device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a charged anodic component that can move in response to the electric field, creating equipotential conditions for both cathodic and anodic species. This ensures that both components can be transported efficiently across the electrochromic layer, eliminating the mass transport imbalance caused by the neutral anodic component.
2Quantity of substance
If higher concentration of cathodic component is used to equalize diffusion flux, then current balance is maintained, but manufacturing complexity and preparation steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the charge state parameter of the anodic component, which fundamentally alters the diffusion dynamics. Instead of requiring higher concentrations to balance flux, the charged anodic component responds to the electric field, enabling balanced transport at equimolar concentrations and simplifying manufacturing.
3Quantity of substance
If higher interfacial concentration is required for slower moving component, then diffusion flux is equalized, but durability is reduced due to over-oxidization or over-reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a charged anodic component that can be transported by the electric field, creating equipotential conditions that enable both cathodic and anodic species to reach their respective electrodes at balanced rates. This eliminates the need for elevated interfacial concentrations and prevents over-oxidization or over-reduction, thereby improving device durability.
4Quantity of substance
If counter-anions of cathodic component are present, then charge balance is maintained, but oxidation reactions at the anode are interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful counter-anions from the cathodic component and replaces them with a charged anodic component that actively participates in the electrochromic reaction. This eliminates the interference with oxidation reactions at the anode while maintaining charge balance through the charged anodic species.
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 enhances the durability and manufacturing efficiency of electrochromic devices by ensuring balanced mass transport and reducing the risk of over-oxidation or over-reduction at the electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism involves a reversible change in a material's visible color and/or transmittance of visible light with the application of an electrical potential. The change in color and/or transmittance typically involves alternately cycled oxidized and reduced charge states.
Implementation Method 2
a material that generates a color while undergoing reduction is referred to as a cathodically-coloring electrochromic material; and a material that generates color while undergoing oxidation is referred to as an anodically-coloring electrochromic material
Implementation Method 3
If one of the components (cathodic or anodic component) moves or is transported more slowly through or across the electrochromic layer, typically a higher concentration of that component is required... to equalize the diffusion flux and maintain a given current
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to electrochromic devices and compositions, in which the cathodic component has cationic charge and includes counter-anions, where each counter-anion of the cathodic component is an anodic component having an anion covalently bonded thereto.