Electrochromic Polymer Matrix for Low-Haze Durable Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochromic devices face issues with mass transport imbalances, poor adhesive properties, increased haze, and reduced durability due to suboptimal polymer matrices, leading to potential over-oxidation or over-reduction and decreased high-temperature performance.

Innovation Solution

The use of a polymer matrix comprising poly(diallyldimethylammonium X−) anions, where X− is represented by Formula (A), improves mass transport, adhesive properties, and reduces haze, enhancing the durability and high-temperature performance of electrochromic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing polymers are used in the polymer matrix, then manufacturing is simpler, but mass transport properties are unbalanced and durability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical structure parameters of the polymer by selecting specific anions (X−) with different properties (fluorine, fluorinated alkyl, perfluorinated alkyl) to optimize mass transport characteristics and durability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established polymerization methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite polymer system by combining the poly(diallyldimethylammonium) backbone with various substituted-sulfonylimide anions, where the cationic polymer structure works synergistically with the anionic components to achieve balanced mass transport and improved durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If existing polymers are used in the polymer matrix, then adhesive properties are maintained at current levels, but adhesive properties are poor resulting in separation and delamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive propertiesVSAvoidseparation and delamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the surface interaction parameters of the polymer matrix by introducing fluorinated and perfluorinated alkyl groups that modify adhesive characteristics, preventing separation and delamination while maintaining layer integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If existing polymers are used in the polymer matrix, then manufacturing is simpler, but high-temperature performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh-temperature performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces fluorinated and perfluorinated alkyl chains with high thermal stability into the polymer structure, raising the glass transition temperature and improving high-temperature performance while using standard polymerization techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Illumination intensity

If existing polymers are used in the polymer matrix, then solubility is adequate, but solubility is poor resulting in increased haze and reduced transparency

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransparencyVSAvoidhaze

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the solubility parameters of the polymer components by selecting anions with specific fluorinated alkyl chain lengths and structures, ensuring complete dissolution and uniform distribution to minimize haze and maximize transparency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 balances mass transport, improves adhesive properties, reduces haze, and enhances durability and high-temperature performance, addressing the limitations of existing polymers in electrochromic devices.

Implementation Method 1

mass transport of cathodic components and anodic components across and through the electrochromic layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon transport: Ion Exchange

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 3

The change in color and/or transmittance typically involves alternately cycled oxidized and reduced charge states

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 4

the polymer of the polymer matrix can affect the adhesive properties of the electrochromic layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12618003B2Electrochromic devices and compositions including poly((diallyldimethylammonium bis (substituted-sulfonyl)imide anion))

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 VITRO FLAT GLASS LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to electrochromic devices and compositions, that include a polymer matrix or thickener, that includes poly((diallyldimethylammonium bis(substituted-sulfonyl)imide X−)) polymer, where each X− independently is an anion represented by the following Formula (A),With reference to Formula (A), R9 and R10 are each independently selected from fluorine, linear or branched fluorinated alkyl, or linear or branched perfluorinated alkyl.