Multicolored Electrochromic Polymers with Conjugation-Break Spacers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrochromic polymers lack improved optical and electronic properties, such as high optical contrasts, switching speeds, and stability, which are essential for advanced organic electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
Development of multicolored electrochromic polymers comprising π-conjugated chromophores separated by conjugation-break spacers (CBS), allowing for controlled melting temperatures and enhanced processibility, optoelectronic properties, and mechanical properties through a method involving the cross-coupling of monomer units in a solvent with complementary reactive groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conjugated polymers are used for electrochromic applications, then optical and electronic properties can be tuned, but the need for improved optical contrasts, switching speeds, and stability remains unmet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating specific functional groups (electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups) at particular positions along the polymer chain. This creates localized electronic environments that enhance both stability and optical contrast simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite electrochromic polymers by combining multiple monomer units with different functional groups into a single polymer system. This composite approach allows the material to exhibit both improved stability from the structured design and enhanced optical properties from the diverse functional components
2Reliability
If new polymeric materials are developed to improve optical and electronic properties, then performance is enhanced, but cost effective and efficient manufacturing processes with high batch reproducibility are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the polymer design into standardized monomer units with specific functional groups. This segmentation allows for modular synthesis where proven, scalable polymerization methods can be applied to each unit type, facilitating cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining enhanced optical and electronic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the polymerization process, specifically controlling molecular weight, composition ratios, and processing conditions to achieve high batch reproducibility. By optimizing these parameters, the patent enables scalable manufacturing of high-performance electrochromic polymers
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 resulting polymers exhibit superior optical contrasts, switching speeds, and stability, making them suitable for various organic electronic devices, including smart windows and display technologies, with improved processibility and mechanical properties.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism generally refers to the reversible change in the optical properties of a material upon application of a potential. In particular, electrochromic materials exhibit a reversible color change due to an electrochemical reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction caused by application of an electric field.
Implementation Method 2
electrochromic materials exhibit a reversible color change due to an electrochemical reduction-oxidation (redox) reaction caused by application of an electric field
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to electrochromic polymers that include a plurality of π-conjugated chromophores in spaced relation with one another, and a plurality of conjugation-break spacers (CBSs), where at least one CBS separates adjacent chromophores. The chromophores may be colored in the neutral state, and multicolored to transmissive in different oxidization states.