Multilayered Electrochromic Materials via Layer-by-Layer Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a process to prepare high-performance electrochromic (EC) materials and films, particularly metal-coordinated organic complexes, that can be coated uniformly on conducting substrates to achieve optimal EC properties for various applications such as smart windows and displays.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the deposition of multiple layers of metal-coordinated organic complexes using layer-by-layer techniques, specifically spin coating, where a metal linker and a polypyridyl complex are alternately applied, forming a coordination bond to create a multilayered EC material with high uniformity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional coating methods are used to apply EC materials on conducting substrates, then the coating process is simple, but the film uniformity and density are insufficient to achieve high-performance EC properties
Solution Approach 1:
The coating process is segmented into multiple sequential steps: applying metal linker solution, drying, applying organic complex solution, drying, and washing. Each step is optimized independently to achieve cumulative effect on film quality. The multilayer structure is also segmented into alternating layers of metal linkers and organic complexes, with each layer contributing specific functional properties to the overall EC performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate surface is pre-treated by applying metal linker layers before applying the organic complex layers. This preliminary action creates a foundation that enhances subsequent layer adhesion and uniformity. The metal linker layers are dried and stabilized before the next layer is applied, ensuring proper bonding and preventing defects.
2Reliability
If multiple layers are deposited to improve EC performance, then the contrast ratio and stability increase, but the manufacturing time and process steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deposition process continues with repeated cycles of applying metal linker, drying, applying organic complex, and drying. Each cycle adds functional layers that contribute to EC stability and contrast ratio. The process maintains continuous useful action by systematically building up the multilayer structure with each repetition, ensuring consistent quality accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process uses periodic cycles of deposition and drying steps. Each period consists of applying a metal linker layer, drying it, applying an organic complex layer, and drying again. This periodic repetition allows systematic building of multilayer structure while maintaining control over each individual layer's quality, balancing productivity with reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If spin coating is used to achieve uniform film deposition, then the film density and uniformity improve, but the control over deposition parameters becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spin coating parameters are systematically changed and optimized: rotation speeds of 2000-4000 rpm for metal linker layers and 1000-3000 rpm for organic complex layers, with rotation times of 30-60 seconds. These parameter changes are specifically tuned to achieve the desired film density and uniformity for each layer type, with higher speeds producing thinner, more uniform layers.
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 method produces EC materials with high contrast ratios, thermal and electrochemical robustness, and low-voltage operation, suitable for applications in smart windows, displays, and other optoelectronic devices, retaining performance over numerous switching cycles.
Implementation Method 1
applying at least one metal linker, applying at least one metal-coordinated organic complex to form a layer... the binding comprises a coordination bond between said functional group and said metal linker
Implementation Method 2
the applying steps comprise spin coating... the spin coating step to apply the metal linker has a first spin rate and a first spin time
Implementation Method 3
Electrochromic (EC) materials have distinct ability to alter their optical transparency in response to application of voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to methods for making an EC material comprising providing a substrate, applying at least one metal linker to the substrate, applying at least one metal-coordinated organic complex to form a layer, washing the layer, drying the layer, and repeating the applying steps to obtain a multiple layer EC material. The invention is further directed to EC materials made by the methods of this invention.