Transparent Polymer Electrolyte Films for Clear, Fast Smart Windows
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrolyte films for electrochromic windows suffer from poor optical clarity due to incompatibility between polymers and plasticizers, which compromises their transparency and ionic conductivity, making them unsuitable for smart window applications.
Innovation Solution
Formulations incorporating specific organic carbonates and second plasticizer materials with Hansen Solubility Parameters (Ra) less than 5.0, preferably 3.79, to enhance compatibility and maintain optical transparency while achieving ionic conductivity of at least 3.85×10−5 Siemens/cm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a solid polymeric interlayer electrolyte is used, then electrolyte leakage is eliminated, but ionic conductivity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte system combining a solid polymeric interlayer (providing structural integrity and leakage prevention) with a liquid electrolyte (providing high ionic conductivity). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve both reliability through the solid polymer matrix and high ionic conductivity through the liquid electrolyte phase, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Power
If a polymer is plasticized with a liquid electrolyte, then ionic conductivity is improved, but optical clarity is compromised due to incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the polymer by selecting specific polymer types (such as polyether-based polymers with particular molecular weights and structures) and adjusting plasticizer concentrations and types to optimize both ionic conductivity and optical clarity. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system achieves high ionic conductivity while maintaining optical transparency, resolving the contradiction between these properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite system where a solid polymeric interlayer is combined with a liquid electrolyte in a manner that maintains optical clarity. The solid polymer provides structural integrity and optical transparency, while the liquid electrolyte phase provides high ionic conductivity. This composite structure allows both properties to coexist without the incompatibility issues that would arise from simple mixing.
3Illumination intensity
If polymer and plasticizer are completely dissolved into each other, then optical clarity is maintained, but ionic conductivity may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite electrolyte system where a solid polymeric interlayer is combined with a liquid electrolyte. This composite structure allows the system to maintain optical clarity through the solid polymer matrix while achieving high ionic conductivity through the liquid electrolyte phase, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the concentration and type of plasticizer added to the polymer to achieve the right balance between optical clarity and ionic conductivity. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system maintains sufficient optical transparency while providing the necessary ionic conductivity for electrochromic window operation.
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 results in electrolyte films with haze of 2% or less and ionic conductivity suitable for electrochromic windows, providing high transparency and rapid switching speeds of less than 1 minute.
Implementation Method 1
the plasticizer comprises one or more materials that are selected to provide sufficient conductivity and optical transparency... the plasticizer comprises one or more organic carbonates and a second plasticizer material... the Ra between the plasticizer and the polymer layer is less than about 5.0, preferably less than or equal to about 3.79
Implementation Method 2
it can also show a significant improvement in ionic conductivity... ionic conductivity through the electrolyte film of at least about 3.85×10−5 Siemens/cm
Implementation Method 3
Electrochromism is a phenomenon where the color or opacity of a material changes depending on the application of voltage... The EC layers conduct ions and electrons
Implementation Method 4
The transparent conductors are pure electron conductors
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are electrolyte films or cells for use in variety of applications, such as electrochromic windows. An electrolytic film comprises a polymer layer, such as thermoplastic polyurethane or polymethyl methacrylate, and an electrolyte within the polymer layer. The electrolyte comprises a salt and a plasticizer. The plasticizer comprises one or more materials that are selected to provide sufficient conductivity and optical transparency for operation of the electrolyte film in an application requiring substantial optical clarity and switching speed, such as a smart window.