Polymeric Ion Conductive Layer Creep Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional polymeric ion conductive layers in electrochromic devices fail to maintain mechanical integrity and ion conductivity at elevated temperatures, leading to creep and delamination.

Innovation Solution

A polymeric ion conductive layer comprising a polymer with a Shore hardness of greater than 80 A, an electrolyte dispersed in the polymer, and a plasticizer dispersed in the polymer, which exhibits no creep at 85°C and maintains high ionic conductivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional polymeric ion conductive layers are used, then room temperature performance is sufficient, but mechanical integrity and ion conductivity deteriorate at elevated temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance at elevated temperaturesVSAvoidmechanical integrity at high temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the polymer parameter by selecting materials with specific glass transition temperatures (Tg) above 85°C and Shore hardness greater than 80A. This parameter change ensures the polymer maintains its mechanical properties and dimensional stability at elevated temperatures, preventing creep and delamination while preserving ion conductivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite ion conductive layer by dispersing electrolyte particles (such as LiTFSI, LiPF6, or LiClO4) within the polymer matrix. This composite structure combines the mechanical strength and thermal stability of the polymer with the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte, achieving both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If polymeric ion conductive layers are used, then ion conductivity is provided, but creep occurs at elevated temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion conductivityVSAvoidresistance to creep at high temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies polymers with glass transition temperature (Tg) above 85°C and Shore hardness greater than 80A. These parameter changes ensure the polymer remains in a glassy state at operating temperatures, providing dimensional stability and creep resistance while maintaining sufficient chain mobility for ion transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent forms a composite where electrolyte particles are dispersed in the polymer matrix. The polymer provides the mechanical strength to resist creep, while the electrolyte particles provide the ionic conduction pathways, achieving both functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If polymeric ion conductive layers are used, then ion transport is enabled, but delamination occurs at elevated temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion transport capabilityVSAvoidadhesion stability at high temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent selects polymers with specific thermal and mechanical parameters (Tg > 85°C, Shore hardness > 80A) that ensure the material maintains its dimensional stability and adhesion properties at elevated temperatures, preventing delamination from adjacent layers while preserving ion transport capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively prevents creep and delamination at elevated temperatures while maintaining high ionic conductivity, enhancing the performance and reliability of electrochromic devices.

Implementation Method 1

an electrolyte dispersed in the polymer, and a plasticizer dispersed in the polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

to provide ion conductivity between electrochromic layers of the electrochromic devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

electrochromic devices to adjust light transmission, color, and/or reflective characteristics thereof via electronic switching or electrochromism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS20250138377A1Optically transparent polymeric ion conductive layers for electrochromic devices

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 MATIV LUXEMBOURG

AI summary

Polymeric ion conductive layers and electrochromic devices utilizing the same are described. The polymeric ion conductive layer may include a polymer having a Shore hardness of greater than 80A, an electrolyte dispersed in the polymer, and a plasticizer dispersed in the polymer. The polymeric ion conducive layer may have no creep at elevated temperatures. The polymeric ion conductive layer may have an ionic conductivity of greater than or equal to about 1E-5 S/cm, a haze of less than 3%, and a light transmission of greater than or equal to about 80%. An electrochromic device may include a first optically transparent layer, a second optically transparent layer, and electrochromic layers including the polymeric ion conductive layer interposed between the first and second optically transparent layers.