Organic/Metallic Hybrid Polymer Composite for Electrochromic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochromic devices face challenges in achieving high response speed, contrast, and durability, particularly at high temperatures, despite advancements in organic/metallic hybrid polymers and ionic liquids used in their electrolyte layers.

Innovation Solution

A composite is developed comprising an organic/metallic hybrid polymer with an organic ligand and a metal ion coordinated to it, forming ionic bonds with an ionic liquid, which is used in the electrochromic layer, along with a method for producing the device that includes applying the composite and an electrolyte layer, and optionally a heat treatment to enhance bonding and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional organic/metallic hybrid polymers are used in electrochromic devices, then the basic electrochromic function is achieved, but the device cannot withstand use under high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat resistanceVSAvoiddurability under high temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material system consisting of organic/metallic hybrid polymer particles dispersed in an ionic liquid. This composite structure combines the electrochromic properties of the organic/metallic hybrid polymer with the high thermal stability and ionic conductivity of the ionic liquid, enabling the device to maintain both functionality and durability under high temperature conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If ionic liquid is used for electrolyte layer to improve performance, then electrochromic function is enhanced, but response speed and durability require further improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrochromic performanceVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a heterogeneous structure where organic/metallic hybrid polymer particles are dispersed throughout the ionic liquid electrolyte layer. This local distribution of electrochromic particles optimizes the balance between electrochromic performance and ionic conductivity, allowing efficient ion transport while maintaining high performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If ionic liquid is used for electrolyte layer, then electrochromic performance is improved, but durability under repeated driving conditions requires further improvement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrochromic performanceVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure of organic/metallic hybrid polymer particles in ionic liquid provides enhanced durability through the synergistic combination of materials. The ionic liquid medium protects the organic/metallic hybrid polymer particles from degradation while maintaining electrochromic performance, enabling stable operation under repeated driving conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The ionic liquid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the electrolyte medium for ion transport, provides thermal management, and stabilizes the organic/metallic hybrid polymer particles. This self-service capability of the ionic liquid enhances overall device durability without requiring additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 composite provides excellent heat resistance and quick response properties by retaining counter anions, improving the electrochromic device's performance in terms of speed, contrast, and durability, even under repeated driving cycles.

Implementation Method 1

the organic/metallic hybrid polymer forms ionic bonds with the ionic liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonic bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

an electrochromic material has attracted attention as a display material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS11203688B2Composite containing organic/metallic hybrid polymer and ionic liquid, electrochromic device in which same is used, and method for manufacturing said composite and device
Publication Date: 2021.12.21 NAT INST FOR MATERIALS SCI
  • US11203688B2 patent drawing
  • US11203688B2 patent drawing
  • US11203688B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a composite having exceptional heat resistance and durability that exhibits quick response characteristics when used in an electrochromic device; an electrochromic device in which the composite is used; and a method for producing said composite and device. This composite contains an organic/metallic hybrid polymer that contains an organic ligand and a metal ion coordinated to the organic ligand, and an ionic liquid. The organic/metallic hybrid polymer forms ionic bonds with the ionic liquid. This electrochromic device comprises a first electrode, an electrochromic layer containing the composite, an electrolyte layer, and a second electrode.