Low-Temperature Metal Oxide Charge Storage for Electrochromic Films
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 simplify manufacturing while maintaining high performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of solution-processed low-temperature metal oxides, metal bronzes, and polyoxometalates, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), molybdenum trioxide (MoO3), and hydrogen molybdenum oxide (HzMoOx), which are amorphous and in nanoparticle form, as charge storage materials in electrochromic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional high-temperature processing methods are used for charge storage materials, then material performance and stability are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the processing temperature parameter from traditional high-temperature (typically >500°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 processed at low temperatures, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining charge storage performance through careful selection of materials and processing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional thermal processing methods (heating, sintering) with solution-based processing methods. Instead of using high-temperature thermal fields to densify and activate charge storage materials, the invention uses chemical solutions to deposit precursors that are then activated at low temperatures, substituting a chemical processing mechanism for a thermal-mechanical one
2Ease of manufacture
If low-temperature processing is used for charge storage materials, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are improved, but material performance and stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material systems comprising metal oxides (such as TiO2, ZnO, SnO2), metal bronzes (such as HxWO3, HxMoO3), and polyoxometalates. These composite materials are specifically selected because they exhibit stable charge storage performance even when processed at low temperatures. The composite nature allows synergistic effects where different components contribute to overall performance, compensating for the reduced thermal processing that would normally be required to achieve high performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: temperature (below 150°C), processing method (solution-based), material composition (specific ratios of metal oxides, bronzes, and polyoxometalates), and processing atmosphere. By carefully controlling these parameters together rather than relying solely on high temperature, the invention achieves both low-temperature processing and high material performance
3Quantity of substance
If conventional charge storage materials are used in electrochromic devices, then charge storage capacity is maintained, but color change in visible range increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by using materials with specific optical properties in the visible range. The metal oxides, metal bronzes, and polyoxometalates are selected not only for their charge storage capabilities but also for their optical characteristics. These materials can be tuned to have minimal absorption or scattering in the visible spectrum, allowing them to store charge efficiently while remaining optically neutral. This local optimization of material properties at the molecular level achieves both high charge storage capacity and minimal visible color change
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 enable efficient charge storage with minimal color change in the visible range, reducing processing complexity and costs by avoiding high temperatures, and maintaining transparency and flexibility in electrochromic devices.
Implementation Method 1
Metal oxide, metal bronze and polyoxometalate as charge storage materials in electrochromic device
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.