Non-aqueous Zinc Electrolyte for Dynamic Window Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic window technologies face limitations due to slow switching, low durability, high manufacturing costs, and poor shelf life, primarily attributed to the drawbacks of materials used in electrolytes, which hinder their widespread adoption for energy-efficient applications.
Innovation Solution
A non-aqueous zinc-based electrolyte system utilizing a polar aprotic solvent and zinc salts, enabling reversible zinc electrodeposition on transparent conducting electrodes with improved optical contrast and extended cycle life, facilitating quick and durable switching between transparent and opaque states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If current materials are used in dynamic windows, then the basic switching function is achieved, but the switching speed is slow and durability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrolyte by using non-aqueous zinc-based electrolyte with specific zinc salt concentrations (0.1-5.0 M) and pH control (5.0-7.0), which enables faster zinc ion transport and more stable electrodeposition, thereby improving both switching speed and durability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite electrolyte system combining non-aqueous solvent with zinc salts and pH buffers, creating a multi-component system that provides both fast ion conductivity for quick switching and chemical stability for enhanced durability, resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability
2Reliability
If current electrolyte materials are used, then the dynamic window function is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high and shelf life is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, readily available zinc salts (such as zinc sulfate, zinc chloride) and common non-aqueous solvents instead of expensive specialized electrolytes, significantly reducing material costs while maintaining long shelf life through the inherent stability of zinc-based chemistry and pH buffering
Solution Approach 2:
The non-aqueous electrolyte creates a chemically inert environment that prevents degradation reactions and extends shelf life, while the simplicity of the zinc salt composition makes the system easy and inexpensive to manufacture, resolving both cost and stability concerns
3Illumination intensity
If voltage is applied to deposit zinc coating, then optical contrast is achieved, but the coating may degrade over time reducing cycle life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the voltage range to -0.1V to -3.0V to achieve sufficient optical contrast while preventing excessive zinc deposition that would cause degradation, and maintains pH 5.0-7.0 to ensure stable zinc ion chemistry throughout cycling, thereby preserving both contrast and cycle life
Solution Approach 2:
The pH-buffered electrolyte system provides chemical feedback that maintains stable zinc ion availability during cycling, preventing degradation and ensuring consistent optical contrast performance over thousands of cycles, thus extending cycle life while maintaining contrast
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 non-aqueous zinc-based electrolyte system allows for dynamic windows to switch thousands of times without degradation in optical contrast or switching speed, offering high opacity, reversibility, and stability, thus enhancing energy efficiency and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the transparent working electrode comprises an opaque zinc-containing coating deposited directly or indirectly on the first working electrode surface when a voltage ranging from −3.0V to −0.1V is applied to the optoelectronically dynamic element
Implementation Method 2
a non-aqueous zinc-based electrolyte positioned between the first working electrode surface and the first counter electrode surface, the non-aqueous zinc-based electrolyte comprising (i) a polar aprotic solvent and (ii) a zinc salt and/or ions thereof
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are optoelectronically dynamic elements (e.g., windows, films, lenses, flat-panel displays, polymer-based electronics, thin film photovoltaics, glass doors, tools/devices used in X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis, among others) comprising non-aqueous zinc-based electrolytes that facilitate reversible zinc electrodeposition on the element. The disclosed non-aqueous zinc-based electrolytes are used in combination with a transparent working electrode and a counter electrode and facilitate depositing layers of zinc on the transparent working electrode so as to rapidly form an opaque zinc-containing coating on the working electrode upon application of a suitable voltage. The opaque zinc-containing coating can be rapidly stripped from the working electrode transitioning it back to a transparent state upon application of a suitable voltage. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the disclosed non-aqueous zinc-based electrolyte and elements described herein.