Solid Polymer Electrolyte Membrane for Electrochromic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices with liquid electrolytes face issues of leakage and poor ion conductivity, while those with solid polymer electrolytes have low ion conductivity, limiting their performance in smart windows and other applications.
Innovation Solution
A solid polymer electrolyte membrane is developed by subjecting an oligomer-containing composition, including ethoxylated acrylate monomer, polyether amine oligomer, and lithium salt, to a polymerization reaction, which is then used between the anode and cathode in an electrochromic device, enhancing ion conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid electrolytes are used in electrochromic devices, then ion conductivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to liquid leakage and thermal expansion/contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrolyte from liquid to solid polymer form, eliminating liquid leakage while maintaining ion conductivity through the polymer matrix structure. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by transforming the electrolyte phase from liquid to solid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite polymer electrolyte structure combining multiple components (polymer matrix, lithium salt, plasticizer) to achieve both solid-state stability and high ion conductivity. The composite nature allows the material to exhibit properties superior to individual components alone.
2Reliability
If solid polymer electrolytes are used in electrochromic devices, then reliability is improved by eliminating liquid leakage, but ion conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the polymer electrolyte parameters by incorporating plasticizers and optimizing lithium salt content to increase segmental motion and free volume, thereby enhancing ion conductivity while maintaining the solid-state reliability advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite polymer electrolyte combines the polymer matrix (providing structural stability), lithium salt (providing ion source), and plasticizer (providing ion mobility) to achieve both high reliability and improved ion conductivity simultaneously.
3Device complexity
If conventional solid polymer electrolytes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ion conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the chemical composition parameters of the polymer electrolyte, specifically the ratio of polymer to lithium salt to plasticizer, to maximize ion conductivity while maintaining the single-layer solid electrolyte structure that keeps device complexity low.
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 solid polymer electrolyte membrane achieves improved lithium ion conductivity and exhibits a significant color change with good cycling stability, addressing the limitations of both liquid and solid electrolyte-based electrochromic devices.
Implementation Method 1
The solid polymer electrolyte membrane achieves improved lithium ion conductivity
Implementation Method 2
A light transmittance of an electrochromic device can be significantly changed under a visible light spectrum by applying voltage, thereby affecting coloring or bleaching of the electrochromic device
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a solid polymer electrolyte membrane prepared by subjecting an oligomer-containing composition to a polymerization reaction. The oligomer-containing composition includes ethoxylated multifunctional acrylate monomer, polyether amine oligomer, and a lithium salt. An electrochromic device including an anode, a cathode, and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane is also disclosed. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is disposed between the anode and the cathode.