Flexible Electrochromic Cell Using Copper Electrodeposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical cells for light control are either rigid and infrared absorbent or require assembly in glove boxes due to the use of non-aqueous solvents, limiting their flexibility and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electrochromic cell with controlled emission in the visible and infrared, utilizing a mixture of PVDF-HFP, PEO, and activated carbon or carbon powder layers, operating in an aqueous medium with copper salts, allowing for high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength, and enabling rapid light reflection contrast through copper electrodeposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a reversible electrodeposition of silver is used to control light absorption and emission, then light reflectivity control in the visible spectrum is improved, but the device becomes rigid and totally absorbent in the infrared
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from silver to copper electrodeposition, and changes the electrolyte parameter from organic solvent to aqueous solution. This enables the device to control visible light while remaining transparent in the infrared, resolving the contradiction between visible light control and infrared adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining copper electrodeposition layers with transparent conductive oxide layers (ITO or IZO). This composite material approach enables simultaneous achievement of visible light reflectivity control and infrared transparency
2Reliability
If organic solvents and non-aqueous electrolytes are used in electrochemical cells, then electrochemical performance is improved, but assembly requires glove boxes and environmental friendliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrolyte parameter from organic solvent to aqueous solution, eliminating the need for glove box assembly and improving environmental compatibility while maintaining electrochemical performance through optimized copper salt concentration and pH control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive, environmentally benign materials such as copper salts and aqueous electrolytes that can be safely disposed of, replacing expensive and environmentally harmful organic solvents and lithium-based systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If copper electrodeposition is used instead of silver, then infrared transparency is improved, but deposit stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where copper electrodeposition is combined with transparent conductive oxide layers (ITO or IZO). This composite approach compensates for copper's lower stability by providing structural support and enhanced adhesion through the oxide layer interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes deposition parameters including copper salt concentration, pH control, and deposition voltage to enhance copper deposit stability. The aqueous electrolyte system provides better control over deposition kinetics, resulting in more stable and uniform copper 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 cell achieves high ionic conductivity, mechanical strength, and rapid light reflection contrast in a flexible and environmentally friendly manner, surpassing the limitations of prior art by being flexible and using an aqueous medium, while maintaining high performance and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage is applied to it in order to electrodeposit silver on the surface of the mirror electrode in contact with the electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
it confers a mechanical strength to the powder
Implementation Method 3
it enables a higher ionic exchange thanks to higher ionic conductivities due to the fact of the high dissociation constant of water
Implementation Method 4
enabling rapid light reflection contrast through copper electrodeposition
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an electrochromic cell with emission controlled by electrodeposition under the action of a control voltage. The cell comprises the following flexible elements, superimposed and respectively in intimate contact:a first electrode (11) intended to be connected to a first potential of the control voltage,a first porous layer (12), formed of a mixture of PVDF-HFP, PEO and an activated carbon powder,a porous separator (13), formed of a mixture of PVDF-HFP and PEO,a second electrode (14) formed of a grid and connected to a second potential of the control voltage,a second porous layer (15), formed of a mixture of PVDF-HFP, PEO and carbon powder,an aqueous electrolytic solution containing a copper salt being contained in the first flexible layer (12), in the separator (13) and in the second flexible layer (15).