Electrochromic Electrolyte Composition Adhesion Transparency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing self-supported gelled polymer electrolyte films for electrochromic devices are cumbersome, particularly for large surfaces, as they require multiple steps and handling of polymers and solvents, which is impractical in industrial glass manufacturing settings, and fail to achieve adequate adhesion and transparency.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a vinylidene fluoride copolymer, a (meth)acrylic polymer, specific organic compounds with varying boiling points, and a lithium salt, optimized to create a self-supported gelled polymer electrolyte film with enhanced mechanical properties, adhesion to glass substrates, and ionic conductivity, allowing for efficient processing into transparent films.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing methods for manufacturing self-supported gelled polymer electrolyte films are used, then the films can be produced, but the manufacturing process becomes cumbersome and impractical for large surfaces in industrial settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing steps into a single coating process. The composition contains pre-dissolved vinylidene fluoride copolymer, (meth)acrylic polymer, and lithium salt in organic compounds, allowing all components to be applied simultaneously in one layer rather than requiring separate steps for polymer film fabrication, solvent application, and salt impregnation.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymers and lithium salt are pre-mixed and dissolved in the organic compound composition before application. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the composition is coated and dried, the gelled structure forms automatically without requiring post-processing steps for polymer assembly or salt incorporation.
2Strength
If existing methods are used to manufacture self-supported gelled polymer electrolyte films, then the films can be produced, but adequate adhesion to glass substrates is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite composition containing both vinylidene fluoride copolymer and (meth)acrylic polymer together with lithium salt. The (meth)acrylic polymer component specifically enhances adhesion to glass substrates while the vinylidene fluoride copolymer provides the gelled structure, creating a synergistic effect that achieves both strong adhesion and proper electrolyte functionality.
3Illumination intensity
If existing methods are used to manufacture self-supported gelled polymer electrolyte films, then the films can be produced, but adequate transparency is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects organic compounds with specific boiling point ranges (first organic compound with boiling point below 125°C, second organic compound with boiling point above 150°C) to control the drying process. This parameter control ensures complete solvent removal without leaving residues that would affect transparency, while the low concentration of polymers (0.1-10% and 0.1-5% by weight) maintains film transparency.
4Reliability
If multiple steps and solvent handling are required in the manufacturing process, then the films can be produced with proper properties, but the process becomes impractical for industrial-scale production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the composition into distinct functional components with clear roles: vinylidene fluoride copolymer for gelled structure, (meth)acrylic polymer for adhesion and film formation, lithium salt for ionic conductivity, and organic compounds as solvents. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process to a single coating and drying step.
Solution Approach 2:
The organic compounds serve as intermediaries that facilitate the formation of the gelled structure during processing. The first organic compound (lower boiling point) aids in initial drying and film formation, while the second organic compound (higher boiling point) ensures complete solvent removal and final structure stabilization, enabling reliable film quality through a simplified process.
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 solution provides self-supported gelled polymer electrolyte films with superior adhesion and transparency, enabling their use in electrochromic devices while simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of steps and eliminating the need for solvent handling, thus making them suitable for industrial-scale production.
Implementation Method 1
gelled polymer electrolyte films comprising a vinylidene fluoride copolymer, a (meth)acrylic polymer, a first organic compound and a lithium salt
Implementation Method 2
high ionic conductivity, enabling mutual ionic exchanges between the electrochromic layers
Implementation Method 3
a first organic compound possessing a boiling point of below 125° C. and a second organic compound possessing a boiling point of above 150° C.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition for making an electrolyte layer suitable for use in an electrochromic device, combining transparency and adhesion to glazing, to an electrolyte layer obtained therefrom, to an electrochromic device comprising the same, and to its use as glazing.