Low-Temperature Charge Storage Materials for Flexible Electrochromics
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved charge storage materials, particularly for flexible electrochromic films, that can be processed at low temperatures to reduce costs and complexity while maintaining transparency and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The use of solution-processed low temperature metal oxides, metal bronzes, and polyoxometalates, such as TiO2, MoO3, and polyoxometalates, as charge storage materials in electrochromic devices, which are transparent, stable, and can be processed below 150°C, allowing for flexible electrochromic films.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional high-temperature processing methods are used for charge storage materials, then material stability and performance are improved, but processing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing temperature parameter from traditional high-temperature (above 150°C) to low-temperature (below 150°C) processing. This parameter change enables the use of solution-processed metal oxides, metal bronzes, and polyoxometalates that can be deposited and cured at low temperatures, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining material stability and charge storage performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional high-temperature vacuum deposition or sintering methods with solution-based processing methods. The charge storage materials are applied as solutions or suspensions that are then cured at low temperatures, substituting complex high-temperature mechanical/thermal processing with simpler solution chemistry and low-temperature curing
2Weight of moving object
If flexible substrates are used for electrochromic films, then weight and transportation ease are improved, but material processing temperature constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing temperature parameter to below 150°C, which is compatible with flexible polymer substrates that cannot withstand high temperatures. This temperature parameter change enables the deposition of charge storage materials on flexible substrates without degrading the substrate, thereby achieving lightweight flexible electrochromic devices
3Ease of manufacture
If solution-processed low temperature materials are used, then processing cost and complexity are reduced, but material transparency and charge storage performance must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material systems including metal oxides (such as indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide), metal bronzes, and polyoxometalates that combine the beneficial properties of each component. These composite materials provide both the electrical conductivity and charge storage performance needed for electrochromic devices while being amenable to low-temperature solution processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes material composition parameters (such as metal ratios in oxides, doping concentrations) to achieve the desired balance between transparency, electrical conductivity, and charge storage capacity. By adjusting these compositional parameters, the materials maintain high performance while enabling simple low-temperature processing
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
These materials provide high-performance charge storage with minimal color change, reducing processing difficulties and costs, and enabling flexible electrochromic devices with efficient charge storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromic materials can change the transmittance, reflectance, absorptance or emittance under the action of electrical charge injection and extraction
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromic materials can change the transmittance, reflectance, absorptance or emittance under the action of electrical charge injection and extraction
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to solution processed low temperature metal oxide. metal bronze or polyoxometalate materials as charge storage material used in electrochromic devices, charge storage material and electrochromic devices comprising the materials and methods of making and using the same.