Polymeric Ion-Conductive Electrolyte Sheet for Durable EC Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to effectively utilize redox layers with plasticizers and dissociable salts in combination with specific electrolytes, and do not provide methods for manufacturing these layers at scale, leading to compatibility and durability issues in electrochemical devices, particularly in window applications where climatic and weather conditions pose challenges.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrochemical devices with a redox layer and an electrolyte layer that share the same plasticizer and have similar salt concentrations, using thermoplastic polymers and conductive particles, and a perimeter sealant that is compatible with the electrolyte but not soluble with the plasticizer, to ensure interfacial compatibility and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redox layers with plasticizers and dissociable salts are combined with specific electrolytes, then ion conductivity is improved, but compatibility and durability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using the same plasticizer in both the redox layer and electrolyte layer, ensuring compositional consistency across interfaces. This prevents phase separation and maintains stable ion conductivity throughout the device operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of dissociable salts to be similar in both redox layer and electrolyte layer, optimizing ion conductivity while maintaining compatibility. This parameter adjustment ensures balanced electrochemical performance without compromising durability.
2Reliability
If redox layers with plasticizers and dissociable salts are combined with specific electrolytes, then ion conductivity is improved, but durability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
By maintaining homogeneous plasticizer composition across redox and electrolyte layers, the patent ensures consistent interfacial properties that enhance long-term durability. This compositional uniformity prevents degradation at layer interfaces during extended operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes salt concentration parameters to achieve similar values in both layers, which improves ion conductivity while simultaneously enhancing durability through balanced electrochemical stability across the device structure.
3Strength
If a perimeter sealant is used that is compatible with electrolyte but not soluble with plasticizer, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The perimeter sealant acts as an intermediary material with selective compatibility - it is compatible with the electrolyte to maintain structural integrity while being insoluble with the plasticizer to prevent degradation. This mediator approach ensures long-term device stability without requiring overly complex manufacturing processes.
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 solution enables the creation of low-cost, high-performance electrochromic devices for windows with improved ion conductivity and optical properties, capable of dynamically controlling solar heat gain and providing thermal insulation, while maintaining structural integrity and durability across varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the electrolyte and the redox layer contain the same plasticizer... the concentration of dissociable salt based on plasticizer amount is similar in concentration in the redox layer and the electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
a redox layer in contact with the conductive coating... a redox agent... capable of dynamically controlling solar heat gain
Implementation Method 3
i) thermoplastic polymer formed using at least three monomers... a melting point or a flow point in excess of about 90°C and less than about 170°C
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and materials to fabricate electrochromic including electrochemical devices are disclosed. In particular, emphasis is placed on the composition, fabrication and incorporation of electrolytic sheets in these devices. Composition, fabrication and incorporation of redox layers and sealants suitable for these devices are also disclosed. Incorporation of EC devices in insulated glass system (IGU) windows is also disclosed.