Electrochromic Material Using Deep Eutectic Solvent and Aerogel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochromic materials face limitations in terms of cost, toxicity, environmental impact, and performance stability, particularly when compared to ionic liquid-based devices, which are more expensive and less environmentally friendly.

Innovation Solution

An electrochromic material comprising a low eutectic solvent, including a choline substance and a ligand, combined with a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor material, and an aerogel, which is prepared through a method involving drying and mixing under heating conditions to create a stable and efficient color-changing material for use in electrochromic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If ionic liquid-based electrochromic devices are used, then device configuration simplicity and low operating voltage are achieved, but cost increases and environmental friendliness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice configuration simplicityVSAvoidtoxicity and environmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive ionic liquids with low-cost deep eutectic solvents formed by natural components (choline chloride and organic acids), achieving cost reduction while maintaining electrochromic device functionality and improving environmental compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite electrolyte system using deep eutectic solvent combined with electrochromic materials (viologen, ferrocene, phenothiazine), achieving both simplicity in device configuration and improved environmental properties through material composition optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If traditional electrolytes are used, then electrochromic performance is achieved, but electrical conductivity is insufficient and electrochemical window is narrow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrochromic performanceVSAvoidpoor electrical conductivity and narrow electrochemical window

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the composition ratio of choline chloride to organic acid in the deep eutectic solvent, and adjusts the concentration of electrochromic materials, to achieve optimal electrical conductivity and electrochemical window width for reliable electrochromic performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates aerogel into the electrolyte system to create a porous structure that enhances ion transport pathways, thereby improving electrical conductivity and expanding the electrochemical window while maintaining electrochromic reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Ease of operation

If conventional electrochromic materials are used, then color changing function is achieved, but cyclic performance and stability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor changing functionVSAvoidcyclic performance and stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrochromic materials (viologen as hydrogen bond acceptor, ferrocene/phenothiazine as hydrogen bond donors) with deep eutectic solvent to create a composite system that enhances cyclic stability through synergistic effects while maintaining color changing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The deep eutectic solvent acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates stable interaction between electrochromic materials and electrodes, improving the durability and cyclic performance of the electrochromic device through enhanced interfacial stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 proposed solution results in an electrochromic material with lower costs, reduced toxicity, improved environmental sustainability, and enhanced electrical conductivity, offering a wider electrochemical window and improved cyclic performance compared to traditional ionic liquid-based systems.

Implementation Method 1

low eutectic solvent as electrolyte... good electrical conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

electrochromic refers to the phenomenon that a stable and reversible redox reaction occurs under the action of electric current or electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

a color-changing material comprising a hydrogen bond donor material and a hydrogen bond acceptor material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

The electrochromic material further includes an aerogel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS20230142738A1Electrochromic material and preparation method thereof, electrochromic device

Publication Date: 2023.05.11 MICRON OPTOELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an electrochromic material. The electrochromic material includes: a low eutectic solvent, and a color-changing material which includes a hydrogen bond donor material and a hydrogen bond acceptor material. The electrochromic material also includes an aerogel.