Electrochromic Cathode Materials for Color Neutrality and Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices, particularly electrochromic windows, have not realized their full commercial potential due to various issues and require improvements in color quality and durability.
Innovation Solution
The use of tungsten titanium molybdenum oxide as an electrochromic material combined with nickel tungsten oxide as a counter electrode material, along with a solid-state inorganic structure and sputtering process, to create an electrochromic device with improved color neutrality and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrochromic materials are used, then the device can achieve basic electrochromic function, but the color quality and durability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining tungsten oxide with titanium and molybdenum to form W1-x-yTixMoyOz. This composite structure improves durability and color quality while maintaining electrochromic functionality. The multi-element composition allows synergistic effects that enhance overall device performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies compositional parameters (x, y, z in W1-x-yTixMoyOz) and thickness parameters of different layers to optimize both durability and color quality. By controlling the ratios of tungsten, titanium, and molybdenum, as well as layer thicknesses, the device achieves improved reliability without excessive manufacturing complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If tungsten titanium molybdenum oxide is used to improve color neutrality, then color quality improves, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct layers with specific compositions and functions. The electrochromic layer contains W1-x-yTixMoyOz for color neutrality, while the counter electrode layer contains nickel tungsten oxide for complementary functionality. Each layer is optimized for its specific role, achieving overall color neutrality without requiring the entire device structure to be uniformly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into multiple functional layers: transparent conductive layer, electrochromic layer, counter electrode layer, and ion conducting layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be independently optimized for its specific function, managing overall device complexity through modular design while achieving superior color neutrality.
3Reliability
If all-solid-state inorganic structure is implemented, then durability improves, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls manufacturing parameters such as sputtering power, oxygen partial pressure, and deposition temperature to achieve the desired all-solid-state inorganic structure. By optimizing these parameters, the device achieves improved durability through a stable inorganic composition while keeping the manufacturing process within reasonable complexity limits.
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 results in an electrochromic device with enhanced color neutrality and durability, suitable for use in energy-saving applications such as smart windows, by utilizing tungsten titanium molybdenum oxide and nickel tungsten oxide layers formed through sputtering.
Implementation Method 1
One or more of the layers of the electrochromic device or electrochromic device precursor may be formed through sputtering
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments herein relate to electrochromic devices and electrochromic device precursors, as well as methods and apparatus for fabricating such electrochromic devices and electrochromic device precursors. In certain embodiments, the electrochromic device or precursor may include one or more particular materials such as a particular electrochromic material and/or a particular counter electrode material. In various implementations, the electrochromic material includes tungsten titanium molybdenum oxide. In these or other implementation, the counter electrode material may include nickel tungsten oxide, nickel tungsten tantalum oxide, nickel tungsten niobium oxide, nickel tungsten tin oxide, or another material.