Functionalized Electrochromic Dyes to Prevent Diffusion and Color Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic (EC) devices face challenges in achieving high durability against solar radiation and electrochemical cycling, particularly in maintaining neutral colors and preventing dye diffusion, while requiring improved color control and stability.
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 color control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EC dye materials are present in the electrolyte, then the device can achieve electrochromic functionality, but the dyes can diffuse out of the layer reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the EC dye molecules with a polymeric matrix through covalent attachment, merging the dye functionality with the structural integrity of the polymer. This integration prevents dye diffusion while maintaining electrochromic performance, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and compositional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system where EC dyes are incorporated into a polymeric matrix. This composite structure provides both the electrochromic properties of the dyes and the mechanical stability and diffusion barrier properties of the polymer, simultaneously achieving durability and preventing dye migration.
2Reliability
If EC devices use conventional dye materials, then the device can operate, but they show poor durability against solar radiation and electrochemical cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials combining EC dyes with a polymeric matrix, creating a hybrid system that enhances durability against solar radiation and electrochemical cycling. The polymer matrix provides structural stability and protection, while the integrated dyes maintain electrochromic functionality, resolving the durability enhancement while managing manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If EC devices use single dye types, then the device structure is simple, but they cannot achieve neutral color states or effective color control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple EC dye types (viologen with phenazine or phenothiazine) into a single polymeric matrix system. This combination enables neutral color states and effective color control through synergistic interactions between different dye moieties, achieving superior color adaptability while managing system integration within the polymer framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a multi-component composite material system where viologen and phenazine/phenothiazine dyes are co-incorporated into the polymeric matrix. This composite approach enables precise color control and neutral state achievement through the complementary electrochromic properties of different dye types, enhancing color versatility while maintaining device functionality.
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 against solar radiation and electrochemical cycling, enabling neutral color states and effective color control through covalent attachment and bridged dye configurations.
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 present invention discloses new and useful electrochromic (EC) dye materials... wherein the said electrolyte has at least one bridged EC dye and at least one additional EC dye which is not bridged and has anodic or cathodic characteristics
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 an electrochromic dye with an attached functionalization group wherein the said dye colors by at least one of oxidation and reduction and contains at least two moieties wherein a first moiety is electrochromic and a second moiety is an electrochromic moiety, an electron donating moiety, or an electron receiving moiety and wherein the functionalization group. This disclosure also provides EC compositions and devices for controlling color.