Electrochromic Device Nanoparticle Ionic Liquid Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochromic devices lack improved performance in terms of uniformity and contrast, particularly when using tungsten oxide electrodes and conventional ionic liquids without nanoparticles.
Innovation Solution
An electrochromic device design incorporating a tungsten oxide electrode, a conductive metal oxide or polymer second electrode, and an ionic liquid with nanoparticles, positioned between two substrates, enhancing the device's electrochromic properties by improving uniformity and contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ionic liquids without nanoparticles are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the uniformity and contrast of electrochromic performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by formulating the ionic liquid as a composite system containing metal or metal oxide nanoparticles dispersed within the ionic liquid matrix. This composite ionic liquid composition enhances the uniformity and contrast of the electrochromic device while maintaining the fundamental two-electrode structure, thus improving manufacturing precision without substantially increasing device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional ionic liquids without nanoparticles are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the color stability when electrical potential is applied is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The composite ionic liquid containing metal or metal oxide nanoparticles provides enhanced color stability when electrical potential is applied. The nanoparticles serve as stable electrochromic centers that maintain consistent optical properties during cycling, improving the stability of the object's composition without requiring complex multi-layer electrode structures.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional ionic liquids without nanoparticles are used, then the device structure is simpler, but the transmittance changes over time are not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The ionic liquid composite with metal or metal oxide nanoparticles enables the electrochromic device to maintain transmittance changes over extended periods. The nanoparticles provide stable electrochromic activity that persists through multiple cycles, ensuring long-term duration of action without requiring complex sealing or additional stabilizing layers.
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 inclusion of nanoparticles in the ionic liquid significantly enhances the electrochromic device's performance, maintaining transmittance changes over time and improving color stability when electrical potential is applied, as demonstrated by the device's ability to maintain reduced transmittance after voltage application.
Implementation Method 1
An ionic liquid is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
A first electrochromic electrode comprising tungsten oxide is formed over at least a portion of the first conductive member
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochromic device includes a first substrate spaced from a second substrate. A first conductive member is formed over at least a portion of the first substrate. A first electrochromic electrode comprising a tungsten oxide coating is formed over at least a portion of the first conductive member. A second conductive member is formed over at least a portion of the second substrate. A second electrochromic electrode is formed over at least a portion of the second conductive member. An ionic liquid is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. In one aspect of the invention, the ionic liquid can include nanoparticles of metals or metal oxides. In a further aspect of the invention, the second conductive member and second electrode can be formed by a single material.