Electrochromic Polymer Matrix for Balanced Ion Transport and Low Haze
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic devices face issues with mass transport imbalances of cathodic and anodic components, leading to reduced durability, adhesive failures, increased haze, and decreased high-temperature performance due to poor polymer matrix properties.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a polymer matrix comprising residues of specific monomers, such as (meth)acrylate-amine cation bis(substituted-sulfonyl)imide anion) monomers, which improve mass transport, adhesive properties, and reduce haze, enhancing the durability and high-temperature performance of electrochromic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing polymers are used in the electrochromic layer, then the device can be manufactured with current technology, but mass transport imbalance occurs leading to reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the polymer matrix by incorporating specific functional groups (sulfonate, carboxylate, phosphate, or borate groups) that change the chemical parameters of the polymer. This enables the polymer to interact with lithium ions and water molecules, thereby balancing the mass transport of cathodic and anodic components through the electrochromic layer and preventing over-oxidation or over-reduction at electrodes.
2Strength
If existing polymers are used in the electrochromic layer, then manufacturing can proceed, but adhesive properties are poor causing separation and delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer matrix by incorporating polymers with specific functional groups (sulfonate, carboxylate, phosphate, or borate). These functional groups improve adhesive properties by enhancing the bonding between the electrochromic layer and transparent electrode layers, preventing separation and delamination during device operation.
3Illumination intensity
If existing polymers are used in the electrochromic layer, then the device can be assembled, but haze increases due to poor solubility of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the solubility parameters of the polymer matrix by selecting polymers with specific functional groups (sulfonate, carboxylate, phosphate, or borate) that are compatible with the electrochromic components. This improved solubility prevents component aggregation and phase separation, thereby reducing haze and enhancing the transparency of the electrochromic device.
4Reliability
If existing polymers are used in the electrochromic layer, then initial performance can be achieved, but high-temperature performance degrades over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal stability parameters of the polymer matrix by incorporating polymers with specific functional groups (sulfonate, carboxylate, phosphate, or borate) that exhibit enhanced thermal resistance. These functional groups stabilize the polymer structure at elevated temperatures, preventing degradation and maintaining device performance under high-temperature operating conditions.
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 new polymer matrix ensures balanced mass transport, improved adhesion, reduced haze, and enhanced durability and high-temperature stability of electrochromic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The kinetics of electrochromic devices is typically governed primarily by mass transport of cathodic components and anodic components across and through the electrochromic layer
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromism involves a reversible change in a material's visible color and/or transmittance of visible light with the application of an electrical potential
Implementation Method 3
The change in color and/or transmittance typically involves alternately cycled oxidized and reduced charge states
Implementation Method 4
The polymer of the polymer matrix can affect the adhesive properties of the electrochromic layer. Poor adhesive properties can result in undesirable separation and/or delamination of the transparent electrode layers and related substrates from the electrochromic layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to electrochromic devices and compositions that include a polymer that includes residues of, or a polymerizable composition that includes, ((meth)acrylate-amine cation bis(substituted-sulfonyl)imide anion)) monomer represented by the following Formula (I),With reference to Formula (I): R1 is in each case independently hydrogen or methyl; R2 is in each case independently a single bond, a divalent linear or branched alkane, or divalent linear or branched cycloalkane; Y+ is in each case independently an amine cation, such as for example —N(R3)(R4)(R5)+; and X− is a bis(substituted-sulfonyl)imide anion represented by the following Formula (II),