Reflectance Variable Element Using Mixed Solvent Electrolyte
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reflectance variable elements using DMSO as a solvent face challenges in low-temperature environments, as DMSO's high melting point leads to metal salt deposition, and alternative solutions like mixed solvents or ferrocene-based electrolytes either lack sufficient cold tolerance or result in color changes, making them unsuitable for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A reflectance variable element is developed using a non-aqueous solvent with a boiling point higher than methanol, such as propylene carbonate, where silver and copper ions are dissolved, allowing for reversible reflectance variation by electric field changes, without using DMSO, and incorporating a polymer to prevent solution spattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If DMSO is used as a solvent to prepare the electrolytic solution, then the reflectance variable element can be obtained with a thin structure allowing a reflective surface to appear, but the element cannot function in low-temperature environments below 19°C due to metal salt deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the solvent by replacing DMSO (melting point 19°C) with a mixed solvent system containing propylene carbonate and methanol, which has a lower freezing point. This parameter change allows the electrolytic solution to remain liquid and functional at temperatures below 19°C, resolving the cold tolerance issue while maintaining the thin element structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite solvent system combining propylene carbonate and methanol in specific ratios (95:5 to 50:50 by weight). This composite material approach leverages the low-temperature fluidity of methanol while maintaining the necessary electrochemical properties from propylene carbonate, achieving both thin element construction and improved cold tolerance.
2Reliability
If a mixed solvent of DMSO and propylene carbonate is used to improve cold tolerance, then the element can function at lower temperatures, but the cold tolerance remains insufficient for industrial applications around -30°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent进一步优化 the solvent composition by adjusting the ratio of propylene carbonate to methanol and adding specific additives, achieving a eutectic mixture with a freezing point below -30°C. This parameter optimization enables the electrolytic solution to maintain its liquid state and electrochemical functionality in extreme low-temperature industrial environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces methanol as an intermediary substance that lowers the freezing point of the propylene carbonate-based electrolytic solution. Methanol acts as a cryoprotectant, preventing ice crystal formation and maintaining ion mobility at temperatures around -30°C, thereby extending the operational range of the element.
3Reliability
If ferrocene is added to the electrolytic solution to improve cold tolerance, then the element can function at low temperatures, but the electrolytic solution turns yellow making it unsuitable for certain applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts ferrocene from the electrolytic solution formulation, eliminating the source of yellow discoloration. Instead, the patent uses a purely solvent-based approach with propylene carbonate and methanol mixture to achieve cold tolerance, thereby removing the harmful color change effect while maintaining the low-temperature functionality through appropriate solvent selection and ratio optimization.
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 a thin reflectance variable element with high cold tolerance, allowing a reflective surface with a deposited silver layer to be formed, maintaining performance even at -30°C and preventing color changes, thus suitable for industrial use.
Implementation Method 1
silver ions and copper ions in the electrolytic solution move to a surface of one of the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
silver and copper are deposited on the surface of the electrode
Implementation Method 3
an electrolytic solution prepared by dissolving a silver compound in a non-aqueous solvent
Data Source
AI summary
This invention enables obtainment of a reflectance variable element having a high cold tolerance. Two transparent substrates are disposed so as to face each other across a gap. On respective surfaces of the transparent substrates, the surfaces facing each other, respective transparent conductive films are formed. An electrolytic solution is charged in the gap. The electrolytic solution has a composition in which at least silver ions and copper ions, a content by weight of the copper ions being smaller than that of the silver ions, are contained in a non-aqueous solvent containing a non-aqueous solvent having a boiling point that is higher than that of methanol and methanol, a content by weight of the methanol being smaller than that of the non-aqueous solvent.