Electrochromic Element Separator Layout for Low-Power Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic (EC) elements using organic compounds face challenges in achieving low power consumption and maintaining transparency due to side reactions between anodic and cathodic compounds, and existing solutions do not adequately address the requirements for transparency and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a separator that divides the gap between electrodes into two sections, the separator is specified by the separator that divides the gap between electrodes into two sections, with a specified ionic resistance and tortuosity to prevent side reactions and maintain transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a permselective film is used to prevent side reactions between reaction products, then power consumption is reduced, but transparency of the EC layer is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The EC layer is divided into two separate sections by a separator: a first EC layer containing cathodic EC compounds near the first electrode, and a second EC layer containing anodic EC compounds near the second electrode. This segmentation prevents side reactions between reaction products while maintaining transparency of individual layers.
Solution Approach 2:
A separator is introduced as an intermediary component between the two EC layers. The separator has specific ionic resistance (50-300 Ωcm²) and tortuosity (1.5-4.5) to allow ion transport while preventing direct contact and side reactions between EC compounds from opposite electrodes, thus reducing power consumption without compromising transparency.
2Speed
If larger amounts of organic EC compounds are used to achieve rapid response, then response speed is improved, but side reactions between anodic and cathodic compounds increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the EC layer into two separate sections with a separator, the patent enables using larger amounts of organic EC compounds in each section for rapid response without increasing side reactions, as the separator physically prevents interaction between anodic and cathodic compounds from opposite electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator acts as an intermediary that allows each EC layer to contain sufficient EC compounds for rapid response while preventing harmful side reactions between compounds from opposite electrodes, thus enabling high response speed without increasing side reactions.
3Power
If the EC layer is in solution or gel form to allow free movement of EC compounds, then coloring efficiency is improved, but charge exchange between anodic and cathodic compounds occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The EC layer is segmented into two separate solution or gel layers by a separator, allowing EC compounds to move freely within each layer for high coloring efficiency, while the separator prevents charge exchange between anodic and cathodic compounds from opposite electrodes, thus maintaining low power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator serves as an intermediary that permits the EC layer to be in solution or gel form for optimal coloring efficiency, while simultaneously preventing charge exchange between EC compounds from opposite electrodes, thereby avoiding increased power consumption.
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 EC element achieves low power consumption and maintains a coloration memory effect with excellent transparency by using a separator with ionic resistance of 50 Ωcm2 to 300 Ωcm2 and tortuosity of 1.5 to 4.5, reducing side reactions and maintaining the colored state efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The separator has an ionic resistance of 50 Ωcm2 to 300 Ωcm2 in the thickness direction thereof when impregnated with 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide/propylene carbonate solution
Implementation Method 2
The EC element adjusts the hue or amount of light in the visible light region by applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes to oxidize or reduce a compound in the EC layer
Implementation Method 3
by applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes to oxidize or reduce a compound in the EC layer
Implementation Method 4
by applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes to oxidize or reduce a compound in the EC layer
Data Source
AI summary
An EC element includes a separator that divides the gap between electrodes into two sections, and a pair of EC layers with the separator therebetween. The separator has an ionic resistance of 50 Ωcm2 to 300 Ωcm2 in the thickness direction thereof when impregnated with 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium TFSI/propylene carbonate solution.