Electrochromic Display With Cross-Linked Porous Pigment Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic displays face issues such as high cost, toxicity, non-uniformity, and non-biodegradability due to the use of toxic electrolytes and materials, and require complex manufacturing processes that involve high temperatures and corrosive solvents, limiting their widespread commercial use and compatibility with printed electronics.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic display design featuring electrodes made of cross-linked pigment particles in a polymer matrix, an ionic liquid electrolyte with non-reactive fillers, and conductive lead wires in contact with the electrolyte, allowing for low-temperature production and eliminating the need for spacers and rigid layers, while using non-toxic and biodegradable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If toxic electrolytes with perchlorate and lithium salts are used, then electrochromic display functionality is achieved, but toxicity and non-biodegradability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by replacing toxic perchlorate and lithium salts with alternative ionic liquids and solid electrolyte materials. This substitution maintains the electrochemical functionality while eliminating toxicity and improving biodegradability, directly resolving the contradiction between functional reliability and harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite electrolyte systems combining ionic liquids with solid electrolyte materials or polymer matrices. This composite approach enables the integration of multiple functional properties (conductivity, stability, biodegradability) while reducing toxicity compared to conventional single-component electrolytes containing perchlorate and lithium salts.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrolyte formulations with organic solvents are used, then electrochromic material dissolution is enabled, but production costs and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameters by replacing toxic organic solvents with water, ionic liquids, or solid electrolyte materials. This substitution maintains the ability to dissolve electrochromic materials while eliminating environmental harm and reducing production costs associated with hazardous waste handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts biodegradable electrolyte formulations that can be safely disposed of or degraded after use, eliminating the need for expensive specialized waste treatment infrastructure. The electrolyte materials are designed to be environmentally benign and cost-effective, replacing expensive toxic organic solvent systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-temperature production processes are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production costs and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing temperature parameters by formulating electrolytes and electrodes with low-temperature curing polymers and ionic liquid-based materials that can be processed at ambient or low temperatures (below 100°C). This maintains manufacturing precision through controlled low-temperature processing while dramatically reducing energy consumption and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces high-temperature thermal processing with alternative low-temperature curing mechanisms such as UV photopolymerization, moisture curing, or ionic liquid-based chemical reactions. This substitution achieves proper material bonding and electrode integration without requiring high-temperature furnaces, reducing both energy consumption and manufacturing costs.
4Reliability
If spacers and rigid layers are used to contain electrolyte, then electrolyte containment is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate spacer and rigid containment layers by incorporating electrolyte containment functionality directly into the electrode structure itself. The electrodes are designed with integrated features that prevent electrolyte leakage without requiring additional components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrolyte containment function with the electrode structure by using porous electrodes or electrodes with integrated sealing features. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate spacer and rigid layers, reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining effective electrolyte containment.
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 a cost-effective, high-contrast, mechanically functional, and biodegradable electrochromic display that can be produced efficiently without the need for masking conductive paths, reducing production costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte that is arranged on a plate and is in contact with the electrodes and contains an ionic liquid
Implementation Method 2
The advantage of the porous layer is that the electrolyte can soak into it, so there is no danger of all the electrolyte being pushed out of the electrode area
Implementation Method 3
at least two electrodes of electrochromic material arranged on the plate
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic display (1) intended for biosensors with numerical output includes a plate (2), at least two electrodes (3) and an electrolyte (4) arranged on the plate (2) and in contact with at least two electrodes (3), at least two lead wires (5) arranged on the plate (2) connected to at least one electrode (3). The lead wire (5) is a layer of carbon particles or a continuous layer of copper on the plate (2). At least one electrode (3) is formed by a porous layer of mutually cross-linked pigment particles arranged in a polymer matrix from at least one doped conjugated polymer with contrast colour to the colour of the conjugated doped polymer. The mass ratio of pigment particles and doped conjugated polymer is at least 5:1. At least two electrodes (3) are not conductively connected. The porous layer is opaque with a thickness greater than 5 μm.