In Situ Polymerization of Conjugated Polymers in Electrochromic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrochromic devices require complex and wasteful processes for forming electrochromic polymer films, involving costly electrolyte baths and poor yields, with a need for improved properties and more efficient manufacturing methods.
Innovation Solution
In situ polymerization of electroactive monomers within an assembled solid-state device, using a combination of an electrolyte composition and electroactive monomer, which avoids the formation of discrete thin films and reduces chemical waste, allowing for the creation of conjugated polymer composites with enhanced properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If electrodeposition is used to form electrochromic polymer films, then the polymer film can be formed on electrodes, but the process requires costly electrolyte baths, frequent changing of organic salts and solvents, and produces chemical waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for separate electrolyte baths by integrating the electrochromic monomer directly into the solid-state electrolyte layer. This allows polymerization to occur in-situ within the device structure, removing the harmful electrolyte bathing step entirely while still achieving effective polymer film formation on the electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the electrolyte and electrochromic monomer into a single integrated layer. The solid-state electrolyte serves dual functions as both the ionic conductor and the source of electrochromic polymer, eliminating the need for separate electrolyte baths and reducing chemical waste.
2Manufacturing precision
If electrodeposition is used to form electrochromic polymer films, then the polymer film can be formed on electrodes, but the process is costly and time-consuming with poor yields
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by pre-incorporating the electrochromic monomer into the solid-state electrolyte layer before device assembly. This eliminates the need for subsequent electrolyte bathing steps, reducing manufacturing time and improving productivity while maintaining effective polymer film formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the separate electrolyte bathing step, which is costly and time-consuming. By performing polymerization in-situ within the solid-state electrolyte, the process becomes more efficient with better yields and reduced manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If a discrete electrochromic polymer layer is assembled with electrolyte, then the device structure is formed, but the process is complex and requires separate layers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the electrolyte and electrochromic polymer into a single integrated layer. The solid-state electrolyte contains the electrochromic monomer, which polymerizes in-situ to form the active layer, eliminating the need for separate electrolyte and polymer layers and simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid-state electrolyte serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the ionic conductor, the monomer source, and the matrix for polymer formation. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for separate discrete layers.
4Manufacturing precision
If precursor polymers are used and then converted, then electrochromic polymer can be formed, but the process still requires initial preparation of polymer film prior to device assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary action by incorporating the electrochromic monomer into the solid-state electrolyte before device assembly. This eliminates the need for separate polymer film preparation steps and subsequent conversion processes, allowing direct in-situ polymerization within the assembled device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the monomer source and electrolyte into a single layer, eliminating the need for separate polymer film preparation and conversion steps. The electrochromic polymer forms directly within the device during the polymerization process, reducing overall process complexity.
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
This method enables the production of electrochromic devices with higher Photopic contrast and evenness, reduced chemical waste, and simplified manufacturing, while maintaining optical switching performance comparable to traditionally prepared devices.
Implementation Method 1
applying a voltage to the device to polymerize the electroactive monomer to form a composite of a conjugated polymer and a crosslinked gel electrolyte composition
Implementation Method 2
crosslinking the gel electrolyte precursor to form a crosslinked gel electrolyte composition
Implementation Method 3
Electrochromic materials can be organic or inorganic, and reversibly change visible color when oxidized or reduced in response to an applied electrical potential
Implementation Method 4
achieve the necessary ion shuttling for the redox-active electrochromic polymers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4(A)~4(C)
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a facile process for the formation of conjugated polymers inside or outside assembled solid-state devices. One process generally involves applying a voltage to a device comprising at least two electrodes, a combination of an electrolyte composition and a electroactive monomer disposed between the electrodes, and a potential source in electrical connection with the at least two electrodes; wherein the applying voltage polymerizes the electroactive monomer into a conjugated polymer. Also disclosed are electrochromic articles prepared from the process and solid-state devices comprising a composite of an electrolyte composition and a conjugated polymer.