Electrochromic Device UV-Curable Electrolyte and Electrode Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices face challenges with leakage and evaporation of the electrolyte layer due to incomplete sealing, and high resistance of traditional transparent electrodes leads to slow response times, compromising optical properties and peel strength.
Innovation Solution
The electrochromic device incorporates a UV-curable electrolyte layer with non-overlapping regions of extraction electrodes that do not transmit ultraviolet rays, allowing for low-resistance electrode formation and improved curing uniformity, along with a solid electrolyte layer to prevent leakage, and uses Ag—Pd—Cu alloy for enhanced adhesion and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent electrodes (SnO2, In2O3, ITO, ZnO) are used, then transparency is achieved, but resistance is high causing slow response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrode structure combining transparent conductive oxide (ITO) with a conductive resin layer containing metal particles (silver, aluminum, or carbon). This composite material achieves both transparency and low resistance by integrating the transparent properties of ITO with the high conductivity of metal particles in the resin layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimensional layer (conductive resin layer with metal particles) between the transparent electrode and the electrochromic layer. This additional layer provides low-resistance current pathways without compromising the transparency of the original electrode, effectively adding a conductivity dimension without sacrificing optical properties.
2Speed
If liquid electrolyte is used, then response speed is fast, but leakage and evaporation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a gel polymer electrolyte that represents an intermediate phase between liquid and solid. The gel structure maintains the high ion conductivity characteristic of liquid electrolytes while providing the mechanical stability and containment of solid electrolytes, preventing leakage and evaporation issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolyte is formulated as a composite gel polymer electrolyte combining polymer matrix with gel-forming agents and ionic conductors. This composite structure provides both the fluidity needed for fast ion transport and the structural integrity needed to prevent leakage.
3Manufacturing precision
If UV-curable electrolyte is used with extraction electrodes, then curing uniformity improves, but UV transmission is blocked by electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction electrodes are designed with segmented or patterned structures rather than continuous films. This segmentation allows UV light to pass through gaps between electrode segments, enabling uniform curing of the electrolyte while maintaining electrical connectivity where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure is optimized to have different properties in different regions: areas requiring electrical connectivity have conductive material, while areas requiring UV transmission have openings or reduced material density. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of electrical function and curing uniformity.
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 enhances the electrochromic device's coloring-decoloring performance without impairing optical characteristics like transmittance and haze, while maintaining high peel strength and enabling efficient thermoforming for curved surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the electrolyte layer is curable at least with ultraviolet rays
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromism is a phenomenon where redox reactions are performed reversibly to reversibly change a color
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic device including: first substrate; first electrode-layer on the first substrate; electrochromic layer on the first electrode-layer; second substrate facing the first substrate; second electrode-layer formed on surface of the second substrate at side of the first substrate; electrolyte layer formed between the electrochromic layer and the second electrode-layer and curable at least with ultraviolet rays; first extraction electrode to electrically connect between the first electrode-layer and power source and including region that does not transmit ultraviolet rays in at least part of the first extraction electrode; and second extraction electrode to electrically connect between the second electrode-layer and the power source and including region that does not transmit ultraviolet rays in at least part of the second extraction electrode, the region in the first extraction electrode and the region in the second extraction electrode being arranged not to overlap with each other.