Electrochromic Device Hybrid Electrolyte Layer Electron Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices experience structural weakening during initial driving due to rapid electron release from the anode layer, leading to reduced electrical stability and durability.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic device with a second electrolyte layer containing a mixture of the same electrolyte as the first electrolyte layer and a reducing agent, such as ferrocene derivatives, is introduced to efficiently supply electrons to the anode layer, preventing structural weakening and improving electrical stability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional electrolyte layer is used during initial driving, then the device structure becomes weak due to rapid electron release from the anode layer, but adding a second electrolyte layer with reducing agent increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte layer is divided into two distinct segments: a first electrolyte layer (141) without reducing agent and a second electrolyte layer (142) containing reducing agent. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the first layer maintains ionic conductivity while the second layer provides electron supply during initial driving, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrolyte layer acts as an intermediary between the anode layer and the first electrolyte layer. It mediates the electron transfer process during initial driving by containing reducing agents (ferrocene, hydroquinone, or ascorbic acid) that donate electrons to the anode layer, preventing direct rapid electron release that would cause structural weakening, thus improving reliability while maintaining controlled complexity.
2Strength
If electrolyte ions are present only in the electrolyte layer during initial driving, then the anode layer releases electrons rapidly causing structural weakening, but introducing a second electrolyte layer with reducing agent increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrolyte layer containing reducing agent is prepared in advance and applied to the anode layer before final device assembly. This preliminary action ensures that the reducing agent is already in position to donate electrons during initial driving, preventing anode layer structural weakening from the outset. The reducing agents (ferrocene, hydroquinone, or ascorbic acid) are pre-mixed with the electrolyte solution at concentrations of 0.01-0.1 M, facilitating easier manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameter of the electrolyte layer by introducing reducing agents (ferrocene, hydroquinone, or ascorbic acid) at specific concentrations (0.01-0.1 M). This parameter change enables the electrolyte to perform dual functions: maintaining ionic conductivity and providing electron supply during initial driving, thereby protecting the anode layer structure without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If the second electrolyte layer is made thicker to improve electron supply, then electron transport efficiency increases, but ionic conductivity between layers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by making the second electrolyte layer thinner (1-10 μm) compared to the first electrolyte layer, and by locally concentrating the reducing agents (ferrocene, hydroquinone, or ascorbic acid) within this thin layer. This localized approach ensures efficient electron supply to the anode layer while maintaining adequate ionic conductivity through the optimized thickness and composition gradient, resolving the contradiction between electron supply efficiency and energy loss.
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 device achieves stable electron supply and transport, enhancing the electrical stability and durability of the electrochromic device by maintaining efficient discoloration efficiency and preventing structural weakening.
Implementation Method 1
a second electrolyte layer formed between the first electrolyte layer and the anode layer so as to have a thinner thickness than the first electrolyte layer and comprising a mixture of the same electrolyte as that of the first electrolyte layer and a reducing agent
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a color is reversibly changed by the direction of an electric field when a voltage is applied
Implementation Method 3
When external power is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode 160, electrons move while electrolyte ions such as H+, Li+ or Na+ moves to the anode layer 150 and the cathode layer 130, and thus coloration or discoloration occurs
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic device is provided which may efficiently supply electrons to an anode layer that donates electrons externally during initial driving of the device, thereby preventing the structural weakening of the device and improve the electrical stability and durability of the device, and to a method for fabricating the same. The electrochromic device includes a first electrode, a cathode layer, an electrolyte layer, an anode layer and a second electrode, which are sequentially deposited between opposite first and second transparent substrates. The electrolyte layer includes: a first electrolyte layer configured to provide electrolyte ions to the cathode and anode layers; and a second electrolyte layer formed between the first electrolyte layer and the anode layer to have a thinner thickness than the first electrolyte layer and having a mixture of the same electrolyte as that of the first electrolyte layer and a reducing agent.