Electrochromic Dye Compositions for Neutral Color and Solar Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic (EC) devices face challenges in achieving high durability against solar radiation and electrochemical cycling, particularly when using halogenated anions, and lack effective means to maintain neutral colors in the colored state.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of functionalized dye molecules with reactive groups that are covalently attached to a polymeric matrix, use of bridged EC dyes, and combinations of viologen and phenazine/phenothiazine dyes to enhance durability and control color transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If halogenated anions are used in EC devices, then electrochemical cycling performance is improved, but durability against solar radiation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameter by replacing halogenated anions with non-halogenated anions (such as tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, or perchlorate), which fundamentally alters the interaction between the electrolyte and solar radiation while maintaining electrochemical functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite dye systems combining multiple EC dye types (viologen, phenazine, phenothiazine) with non-halogenated anions to create a synergistic electrolyte composition that achieves both electrochemical durability and solar radiation resistance
2Ease of manufacture
If EC dye materials are used in electrolyte, then color transition functionality is achieved, but control over neutral color in colored state is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple EC dye materials (viologen, phenazine, phenothiazine) into a single electrolyte composition, where each dye contributes different spectral characteristics that combine to produce a neutral colored state
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns specific functional roles to different dye components: viologen provides the primary coloration, while phenazine and phenothiazine components fine-tune the color balance to achieve neutrality in the colored state
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 provides EC devices with improved durability and the ability to maintain neutral colors, ensuring stable color transitions and reduced interference from environmental factors like light and temperature.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromic (EC) devices are electrooptical devices which change color and/or transparency when an electrical voltage is applied
Implementation Method 2
Functionalized dye molecules are incorporated in monomeric formulations for depositing the layers in an EC device so that upon polymerization these functionalized dyes are covalently attached to the polymeric matrix (coating matrix) through the reactive end of the links
Implementation Method 3
the device contains an electrolyte between the two conductors wherein the said electrolyte has at least one bridged EC dye
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides compositions of electrochromic dyes, functionalized electrochromic dyes and dye macromers which may be incorporated into electrochromic devices with tailored optical properties. The disclosure provides electrochromic devices and electrochromic materials which do not use halogenated anions. This disclosure also provides EC compositions and devices for controlling color.