TPU Polymeric Electrolyte for Clear, Adhesive Electrochromic Glazing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymeric electrolyte compositions used in electrochromic devices and battery applications are not suitable for electrochromic glazing systems due to high haze, limited optical transparency, and poor adhesion, which are critical for electrochromic devices requiring specific mechanical, electrical, and optical properties.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based polymeric electrolyte composition with an ion conductive salt and a plasticizer is developed, providing optical transparency, ionic conductivity, and mechanical strength, with peel strength to glass between 3-25 N/mm, tensile strength between 5-25 MPa, and ionic conductivity of at least 10^-5 S/cm, while maintaining a predominantly solid state with a liquid component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorine-containing polymer is used as ion-conductive layer, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but adhesion to substrate deteriorates and haze increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses poly(vinyl formal) as a composite material that combines ionic conductivity with good adhesion properties. This polymer integrates multiple functions: it provides ion transport pathways while simultaneously bonding well to both glass substrates and other polymer layers, eliminating the adhesion problem of fluoropolymers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the ion-conductive layer by selecting poly(vinyl formal) with specific molecular weight and crosslinking density. These parameter changes enable the material to achieve low haze (refractive index matching) while maintaining ionic conductivity and adhesion, resolving the contradiction between optical clarity and functional performance.
2Reliability
If fluorine-containing polymer is used as ion-conductive layer, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but haze increases due to refractive index mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the ion-conductive layer by using poly(vinyl formal), which has a refractive index closely matched to glass and other layers. This parameter adjustment eliminates light scattering at interfaces, achieving low haze and high optical transparency while maintaining ionic conductivity function.
3Strength
If poly(vinyl formal) is used as ion-conductive layer, then adhesion and cost are improved, but moisture sensitivity increases requiring stringent processing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary crosslinking treatment to the poly(vinyl formal) layer during the lamination process, creating a moisture-resistant network structure before the product encounters humid environments. This preliminary action eliminates moisture sensitivity and allows flexible processing conditions, resolving the contradiction between adhesion improvement and manufacturing ease.
4Reliability
If battery application polymeric electrolyte is used, then ionic conductivity is achieved, but optical transparency deteriorates due to high haze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by using poly(vinyl formal) specifically in the ion-conductive layer where optical transparency is critical, while other layers can have different properties. This localized material selection achieves both high ionic conductivity and excellent optical transparency, resolving the contradiction between battery-grade conductivity and glazing-grade optics.
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 TPU-based polymeric electrolyte composition offers improved adhesion, optical transparency, and ionic conductivity, making it suitable for electrochromic devices and other applications, with a peel strength to glass, tensile strength, and ionic conductivity that meet the requirements for electrochromic glazing systems and other multi-layer structures.
Implementation Method 1
the ion conductive salt is present in dissociated form and contains ions selected from the group consisting of Li+, Na+, K+, Cl−, ClO4−, BF4−, PF6−, CF3SO3−, N(CF3SO2)2−
Implementation Method 2
A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based polymeric electrolyte composition comprising an ion conductive salt in the presence of a plasticizer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) based polymer electrolyte composition hosting an ion conductive salt in the presence of a plasticizer.