JP2023017033A - Electrochromic device and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide devices that provide color change under the influence of electric voltage, in particular an electrochromic device.

SOLUTION: An electrochromic device is provided, comprising at least two flexible, optically transparent electrodes that are separated into electrically conductive areas of arbitrary shapes with a hermetically closed space between the electrodes filled with an electrochromic composition. The electrochromic device may be manufactured in the form of a rigid polymeric layer consisting of areas of arbitrary shapes having varying electrochemical and optical properties.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2023,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to the field of devices that change color under the influence of an electric current, and in particular to electrochromic devices and methods for their manufacture. Various methods are known in the art for fabricating devices with electrically adjustable light absorption properties, such as variable optical density filters, light modulators, information boards, and image display panels.

Electrochromism is a physical phenomenon found in certain compositions in which certain optical properties, such as color or light transmission, change reversibly upon application of a voltage, called a control voltage. Electrochromism provides the basis for the operation of various electrochromic devices, such as smart glasses, which are well known to those skilled in the art. Various types of optical materials and optical structures are available for constructing the aforementioned compounds with electrochromic properties, the particular structure depending on the particular purpose of the electrochromic device.

One method for fabricating electrochromic devices is known in the art (U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,108, issued Feb. 20, 1990, incorporated herein by reference). ), wherein the conductive coating of one of the two light-transmissive electrodes is coated with a thickened solution of polymethyl methacrylate in a low-boiling solvent, said solvent then being evaporated. , a layer of polymethyl methacrylate is obtained. Following this step, both light transmissive electrodes are bonded together at the periphery, while said electrodes are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, the space thus formed comprising a cathode component and an anode component. An electrochromic solution is used to fill through the opening(s) in the adhesive and the filled space is then sealed. The layer of polymethyl methacrylate is dissolved and as a result the electrochromic solution is thickened, which greatly reduces the negative effect of gravitational "delamination" of the composition in the electrochromic state. This electrochromic composition is therefore actually prepared only after the assembly of the aforementioned electrochromic device has been completed. In addition, the electrochromic composition is in a liquid phase with a viscosity defined by the amount of polymeric thickener, and if the cathodic and anodic components are not soluble in the ionic state, the electrochromic composition can be introduced into the electrochromic solution. A neutral electrolyte solution provides the electrical conductivity of the electrochromic solution. A neutral electrolyte is introduced into the composition based on the quaternary salt of bipyridine.

One method for fabricating electrochromic devices is further known in the art (U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,337, issued Nov. 28, 1995, incorporated herein by reference). specification), where the space between the electrodes is filled with an electrochromic dispersion comprising: A dispersion medium in the form of a solvent, preferably thickened with polymethyl methacrylate or plasticized with a polymer solvent, a dispersed phase in the form of polyoxometallate as cathode component, and an anode component.

Methods of making electrochromic devices by obtaining solid-like films of electrochromic compositions directly within the device itself by polymerization alone and/or by polymerization with cross-linking of monomer chains using various types of initiators. is additionally known (EP 0612826 A1 of 31 August 1994, WO 97/34186 of 18 September 1997, incorporated herein by reference) , and WO 98/42796 of October 1, 1998). However, such polymerization reactions are accompanied by volumetric shrinkage that adversely affects the quality of the electrochromic device. This negative effect can be particularly evident in electrochromic devices with large inter-electrode spacings (1 mm to 2 mm), which are typically provided in electrochromic devices with large working surfaces (greater than 0.5 m2).

One method for making flexible electrochromic panels disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,826,124 B2, issued Oct. 2, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference. A method is further known in the art, wherein an insoluble polymer chain of an organic material is applied to one of said electrodes by electrochemical polymerization, and ions interacting with said polymer chain of a first electrode. A storage film is applied over the counter electrode. A significant drawback of this technique is that a liquid electrolyte is required for effective interaction between the two layers deposited on the flexible electrode. On the other hand, the presence of a liquid electrolyte requires additional labor and/or construction to maintain a constant thickness of the electrochromic panel, as a result of which both the construction and method of device fabrication are significantly affected. it gets complicated.

Moreover, fabricating flexible electrochromic panels as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,256,925 B2, issued Jul. 10, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference One method is further known in the art, and the patent discloses a method of locally applying a semiconductor layer onto one of said electrodes, said semiconductor layer then being applied to an electrochromic composition. coated with an object. However, this design also requires the use of a liquid electrolyte between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode, which presents the same problems as the previous method.

Accordingly, there is a need for new and improved methods for manufacturing electrochromic devices that do not have the above-described deficiencies of the prior art.

The methods of the present invention are directed to methods and systems that substantially obviate one or more of the above and other problems associated with conventional methods of manufacturing electrochromic devices.

According to one aspect of the embodiments described herein, an electrochromic device comprising at least two flexible electrodes and a hermetically closed space between said at least two flexible electrodes. wherein at least one of said at least two flexible electrodes is optically transmissive, and said hermetically closed space between said at least two flexible electrodes is electrically conductive; Filled with the chromic composition, the method comprises (1) preparing an initial degassed electrochromic composition in the form of an electrochromic dispersion comprising at least one of a suspension and a colloid; the dispersion medium of the electrochromic dispersion system comprises an electrochromic solution containing a liquid solvent (high temperature solvent and low temperature solvent), a cathodic component and an anodic component, and the dispersed phase consists of a highly disperse polymer; ) fabricating at least one flexible electrode such that a conductive coating in the form of arbitrarily shaped mutually insulated conductive layers can be applied onto a polymer substrate; (4) to remove the cryogenic solvent to form a solid, uniformly uniform electrochromic layer; (5) stitching (laminating) one flexible electrode with a second flexible electrode; (6) connecting the flexible electrodes to current-carrying electrical buses (contacts); and (7) sealing the panel around its perimeter. including In order to reduce the detrimental effects of atmospheric oxygen on the electrochromic composition, all procedures relating to the manufacture and assembly of electrochromic panels are preferably carried out in an atmosphere of inert gases such as argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide.

In various embodiments, electrochromic panels are manufactured using flexible, light-transmissive electrodes comprising polymer (especially polyethylene terephthalate) or glass substrates coated on one side with a transparent conductive coating. be done. Coatings of polymeric substrates may be produced, for example, by applying doped indium oxide (In ₂ O ₃ ) or doped tin oxide (SnO ₂ ) or metal mesh, or both simultaneously. The conductive coating is applied to the polymer substrate in the form of mutually insulated layers of arbitrary shape. Application of the transparent conductive coating may be done by vacuum deposition of a metal, metal oxide, metal nitride film through a template or by printing with a conductive ink.

In various embodiments, the final configuration of the electrochromic panel is determined by the configuration of layers of conductive coatings, which are electrically isolated from each other and may be of any shape, disposed on the polymer substrate. . For example, by using the aforementioned conductive layers of square shape, it is possible to produce the electrochromic panel with the shape of a matrix.

Additional aspects related to the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from this description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Aspects of the invention may be realized and attained using the elements and various combinations and aspects of the elements particularly pointed out in the following detailed description and the appended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing and the following descriptions are exemplary and explanatory only and are not intended to limit the claimed invention or its application in any way. .

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain and illustrate the principles of the invention technique.

Figure 2 shows an embodiment of an electrochromic panel with two light-transmissive electrodes in the form of 25 mutually insulated conductive square-shaped sections;

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawing(s). In the accompanying drawings, identical functional elements are indicated using like numerals. The aforementioned accompanying drawings illustrate by way of example, and not by way of limitation, specific embodiments and implementations consistent with the principles of the present invention. These implementations have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and other implementations may be utilized without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. and that structural changes and/or substitutions of various elements may be made. Therefore, the following detailed description should not be taken in a limiting sense.

According to one aspect of the embodiments described herein, there is provided an electrochromic device having an electrochromic composition in the form of a solid polymer layer, said solid polymer layer exhibiting an increased fade rate over a wide temperature range. and provide stability to electrochromic devices operating under conditions that maintain long-term coloration and allow low voltage control and electrode polarity changes. This provides long-term uniformity of coloration and fading, especially in electrochromic devices with large working surface areas. Exemplary electrochromic compositions that can be used in connection with the described electrochromic devices are described in co-pending ELECTROCHROMIC COMPOSITIONS AND ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES USING THE SAME, which is incorporated herein by reference. COMPOSITION AND ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICE USING SAME".

According to another aspect of the presently described embodiments, there is provided an electrochromic device comprising at least two electrodes, as described above, wherein said electrodes are flexible and optically transmissive; The space between is sealed and filled with the prepared electrochromic composition. The described device achieves long-term stability of the coloring state and is operable under conditions that allow low voltage control and reversal of electrode polarity, resulting in uniformity of coloring and bleaching. Additionally, the described electrochromic devices can be manufactured to have large surface areas.

According to one or more aspects of the invention, it comprises at least two electrodes that are flexible and optically transparent, with a hermetically closed space between said electrodes filled with an electrochromic composition. Electrochromic panels are obtained by manufacturing electrochromic devices. According to one or more aspects, the method of the invention includes the following steps.

(1) Preparing an initial electrochromic composition in the form of an electrochromic dispersion containing suspensions and/or colloids. Here, the dispersion medium includes a hot liquid solvent, a cold liquid solvent, a cathodic component and an anodic component. The dispersed phase comprises a finely divided polymer. The initial electrochromic composition has a relatively low viscosity and can be applied by various methods known in the art such as gravity diffusion, substrate immersion coating, roll coating, dip coating, spin coating, flow coating, etc. Suitable for application by

(2) manufacturing at least one of the flexible electrodes such that a conductive coating in the form of mutually insulated conductive layers of arbitrary shape can be applied onto the polymer substrate; A second flexible electrode is similarly manufactured or being made solid, if desired. (3) coating at least one of said flexible electrodes with an initial electrochromic composition; (4) drying the initial electrochromic composition applied onto the flexible electrode(s) to remove the cryogenic solvent and form a solid, uniform electrochromic layer; process. (5) stitching (laminating) one flexible electrode with a second flexible electrode; The second flexible electrode is optionally fabricated with a solid uniform electrochromic layer. (6) connecting said flexible electrode to a conductive bus; and (7) sealing the electrochromic panel around its perimeter.

In one or more embodiments, the aforementioned electrochromic solutions may additionally contain a neutral electrolyte. The provision of a neutral electrolyte additionally introduced within the dispersion medium accelerates the bleaching of the electrically activated electrochromic device and operates the electrochromic device under conditions of long-term polarization by application of a DC voltage. A violation of uniformity in coloration and fading after exposure and/or after application of high voltages (overvoltages, breakdown voltages) is prevented.

In one or more embodiments, a solid but flexible electrochromic composition characterized by a lack of brittleness when flexed, capable of providing flexibility, and retaining its integrity over a wide temperature range. It is desirable to use the finely divided polymer and hot solvent in amounts and proportions sufficient to form a flexible layer.

In one or more embodiments of the method, the cryogenic solvent is electrochromic onto various substrates by known industrial methods such as gravity diffusion, substrate dip coating, roll coating, dip coating, spin coating, flow coating, and the like. It is used to impart a low viscosity to the initial electrochromic composition to allow formation of a layer.

In one or more embodiments, a solid but flexible electrochromic layer is formed on the substrate after the cryogenic solvent is removed (eg, by evaporation, such as by thermal evaporation).

In one or more embodiments, one or both of the aforementioned cold solvent and hot solvent may comprise individual chemical compounds or mixtures of chemical compounds.

In one or more embodiments, the cathode component is an individual organic electrochromic compound or a mixture of such organic electrochromic compounds that has at least one reversible reduction wave in the polarogram. The anode component is an individual organic electrochromic compound or a mixture of organic electrochromic compounds that has at least one reversible oxidation wave in the polarogram.

In one or more embodiments, the compound may further comprise a UV stabilizer to protect the electrochromic compound from UV radiation. The compounds may also additionally contain antioxidants to protect the electrochromic compound from the deleterious effects of its exposure to oxygen.

In one or more embodiments, all procedures for manufacturing and assembling the electrochromic device are performed in an inert gas atmosphere such as argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide. This reduces the detrimental effects of atmospheric oxygen on the electrochromic composition.

In one or more embodiments, the aforementioned electrochromic devices use transparent conductive layers such as doped indium oxide _{( In2O3} ) or doped tin oxide ₍ SnO2) or metal mesh to It is manufactured by using a flexible light-transmissive electrode consisting of a side-coated polymer (eg polyethylene terephthalate) or glass substrate. Such coatings may be used individually or in combination. To prevent contact between the electrodes, the electrodes are arranged such that the conductive coating appears inside a closed space formed between the electrodes and filled with the electrochromic layer. Sealed. The distance between the electrodes is determined by the thickness of the solid electrochromic layer obtained after the electrochromic liquid composition has dried.

In one or more embodiments of the manufacture, the electrochromic device comprises conductive buses arranged around the perimeter of the electrodes or along the long sides of the electrodes. These conductive buses may be located directly outside or directly inside the device, with output wires or other types of electrical contacts or connectors located externally.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an electrochromic panel having two light-transmissive electrodes in the form of twenty-five electrically conductive, mutually insulated square-shaped sections. A cross-sectional view of the electrochromic panel is also shown. The illustrated electrochromic panel comprises flexible light transmissive square-shaped electrodes 2 applied to a pair of substrates 3 in quantities of 25 for each substrate. Substrate 3 is a polymer film, the surface area of which depends on the particular application of the electrochromic panel. The space between the substrates 3 with square-shaped light-transmissive electrodes 2 applied on their surfaces is filled with an electrochromic layer 1 .

In one or more embodiments, conductive buses 7 are routed around or along some sides of the electrochromic panel. The dimensions of these conductive buses 7 depend on the amount of conductive layers, which may have any shape. Alternatively, a double conductive bus 7 can be used for each of the upper and lower transparent conductive electrodes. The cross-sectional diameter of bus conductors 8 forming bus 7 is determined based on the area occupied by arbitrarily shaped conductive layer 2 and the properties of electrochromic layer 1 .

Conductive arbitrarily shaped layers 2 arranged along the perimeter of the electrochromic panel are directly electrically connected to corresponding conductors of eight conductive buses 7 . The device also comprises conductive contact lines 9 intended for connection to respective buses (lines) of the inner conductive arbitrarily shaped layer 2 not located on the periphery of the electrochromic panel. Each conductive contact line 9 is led to one conductive arbitrarily shaped layer and is insulated from the other lines. The other end of each conductive contact line is connected to a given conductor 8 of a conductive bus 7 .

In one or more embodiments, the electrochromic layer 1 is located between said transparent conductive electrodes. Said electrochromic layer may be continuous without discontinuities at the boundaries of the arbitrarily shaped conductive layer 2 . The thickness of the electrochromic layer is determined based on the properties of the electrochromic composition and the requirements for the electrochromic panel. The electrochromic layer may differ in composition and properties in different portions corresponding to different arbitrarily shaped conductive layers. Thus, the electrochromic layer may be colored with different colors in different portions corresponding to different arbitrarily shaped conductive layers. Said electrochromic layer may differ in composition and properties within the area of the portion of the conductive layer corresponding to a particular conductive arbitrarily shaped layer. Said electrochromic layer may thus be colored differently within the area of one portion corresponding to a given electrically conductive arbitrarily shaped layer.

In one or more embodiments, the conductive contoured layer disposed around the perimeter of the electrochromic panel may be connected using a conductive compound 11 . The connection of the conductive contact lines 9 with said inner conductive anatomical layer (not located at the panel perimeter) may also be made using a conductive compound 11 .

In one or more embodiments, sealing the electrochromic layer of the electrochromic panel includes gluing a loop around the perimeter of the panel or preventing the ingress of atmospheric oxygen into the electrochromic layer. This is done by using a sealant that prevents.

In one or more embodiments, an adhesive layer 5 that ensures adhesion of the electrochromic panel to glass may be applied on the panel facing side of the electrochromic panel. The adhesive layer 5 ensuring adhesion of the electrochromic panel to the glass may be coated with a peelable protective film 6 . Before attaching the electrochromic panel to the glass, the protective film 6 is removed. Any other adhesive tape may be used instead of adhesive layer 5 .

In one or more embodiments, the transparent conductive electrodes of the electrochromic panel facing the outside may also be coated with a protective layer 4 . Protective layer 4 may comprise layers that protect the electrochromic panel from mechanical influences and from UV and IR radiation. The use of a single layer that combines all these protective properties is also an option.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a design in which the electrochromic panel has conductive layers with a square configuration. In such a design, said electrochromic panel has a common electrochromic layer 1 arranged between two flexible transparent conductive electrodes. Each transparent conductive electrode comprises a polymer substrate 3 coated with a conductive metal mesh 2 divided into square sections. A total of 25 square conductive portions are used.

Conductive buses 7 are arranged around the periphery (perimeter) of the electrochromic panel. Each such bus 7 contains six or seven conducting wires 8 .

The square conductive parts 2 placed over the perimeter (perimeter) of said panel are connected to conductive buses 7 using compound 11 and the square conductive parts located inside said electrochromic panel are connected to conductive contact lines 9 to the periphery of the electrochromic panel. Along the perimeter of the electrochromic panel, conductive contact lines 9 are connected to bus wires 8 using a conductive compound 11 .

The gaps between the square conductive portions 2 are filled with an insulating compound 10 .

One of the flexible transparent conductive electrodes of the electrochromic panel is coated with an adhesive layer 5 which is then coated with a protective film 6 . Another flexible transparent conductive electrode of said electrochromic panel is coated with a protective layer 4 .

Conductive buses 7, arranged around the perimeter of the electrochromic panel, are connected to a control unit/power supply (not shown) that supplies each square conductor portion 2 with the required voltage and current.

Example 1
In a first example, an electrochromic device was fabricated with two flexible, light transmissive electrodes. Each flexible electrode was a polyethylene terephthalate substrate with a thickness of 175 microns, coated with a single layer of indium _- doped SnO2 with a surface electrical resistance of 30 ohms/ ^cm2 . It contained a polyethylene terephthalate substrate. The size of each electrode was 5×6 cm ² . One electrode was uniformly coated with an electrochromic composition containing the following ingredients. of viologen derivatives (1.5% by weight) and ferrocene derivatives (0.75% by weight) and copolymers of polymethyl methacrylate, methacrylic acid and the calcium salt of methacrylic acid in a solvent i.e. propylene carbonate and/or acetone. Dispersed phase (35% by weight). The electrochromic composition was dried for 20 hours to form a solid electrochromic layer on the flexible electrode with a thickness of 100 microns. A second flexible electrode was then laminated onto the dried electrochromic layer at a temperature of 100° C. with an offset of 5 mm with respect to the first layer. A copper tape connectable to the control/power unit leads was then applied to the uncoated area of the flexible electrode facing the conductive coating using a conductive adhesive composition.

In this embodiment, the electrochromic device had a light transmission equal to 75% in the visible range of the spectrum. When a current of 2V DC was applied to the device, its color changed to dark blue. The time required for a complete color change from clear to dark blue was 7 seconds. After completion of the transient period, voltage application was stopped and the electrodes were short-circuited. The electrochromic device returned to its original (transparent) state within about 10 seconds.

Example 2
In a second example, the electrochromic device was coated with a metallic copper mesh in which each flexible electrode had a cell size of 300 microns and a surface electrical resistance equal to ² ohms/cm2. , was prepared in the same manner as described in Example 1, except that it contained a polyethylene terephthalate substrate having a thickness of 100 microns.

In this embodiment of the electrochromic device, the light transmission in the visible range of the spectrum was 80%. When a current of DC 2V was applied to the device, the color of the electrochromic layer changed to dark blue. The time required for a complete color change from clear to dark blue was 4 seconds. After completion of the transient period, voltage application was stopped and the electrodes were short-circuited. The electrochromic device returned to its original (transparent) state within about 6 seconds.

Example 3
In a third example, the electrochromic device was fabricated in the same manner as described in Example 2, except that the electrochromic composition was uniformly applied to each electrode in half the amount. After drying of the electrochromic layer, the flexible electrode was laminated with the coated layers facing each other. Such a treatment made it possible to obtain an electrochromic device in which the electrochromic layer was uniformly adhered to the flexible electrode.

In this embodiment, the electrochromic device had a light transmission equal to 80% in the visible range of the spectrum. When a current of DC 2V was applied to the device, the color of the electrochromic layer changed to dark blue. The time required for a complete color change from clear to dark blue was 4 seconds. After completion of the transient period, voltage application was stopped and the electrodes were short-circuited. The electrochromic device returned to its original (transparent) state within about 6 seconds. In this case the electrochromic layer showed a more uniform color than in the device described in Example 2.

Example 4
In a fourth embodiment, said electrochromic device is characterized in that one of said flexible electrodes is metallic divided into four bands, each of which has dimensions of 3 x 10 ^cm2 . It was prepared in the same manner as described in Example 3, except that it contained a polyethylene terephthalate substrate with dimensions of 12 x 10 ^cm2 and a thickness of 100 microns, coated with a copper mesh. A second flexible electrode comprised a polyethylene terephthalate substrate with dimensions of 12×10 cm ² coated with a continuous metallic copper mesh. In a completed state, the flexible electrode with a continuous copper mesh is connected to one wire of the bus and each flexible copper band of the second flexible electrode is connected to the bus. connected to a separate wire in the

In this embodiment of the electrochromic device, the flexible electrode with a continuous copper mesh got 0 potential, whereas each copper band of the second flexible electrode had -2V, 0, Or +2V could be supplied separately. When any of the bands received -2V or +2V, the electrochromic layer in this band changed its color to dark blue within 5 seconds. A voltage change to the opposite voltage leads to fading of each band to 50% of the initial darkening within 2 seconds, followed by a deep blue coloration over a period of about 2 seconds. brought about recovery.

Example 5
In a fifth embodiment, the electrochromic device includes one of the flexible electrodes being a metallic copper mesh applied over the flexible electrode and measuring 2.6c2.6cm2 ^each . The same method as described in Example 4, except that it contained a polyethylene terephthalate substrate having a size of 10 x 10 ^cm2 and a thickness of 100 microns with a metallic copper mesh divided into 9 squares with Manufactured in The squares in the middle had contact lines located in the gaps between the other squares leading to contact pads located on the edges of the flexible electrode. A second flexible electrode comprised a polyethylene terephthalate substrate with dimensions of 10×10 cm ² coated with a continuous metallic copper mesh. In a completed state, the flexible electrode with a continuous copper mesh is connected to one wire of the bus and each flexible copper band of the second flexible electrode is connected to the bus. connected to a separate wire in the

In this embodiment of the electrochromic device, the flexible electrodes with solid copper mesh were set at zero potential, while each square copper electrode of the second flexible electrode was -2V, 0 , or a potential of +2 V could be received individually. When any of the squares received a potential of -2 or +2, the color of the electrochromic layer for each band changed to dark blue within 4 seconds. To accelerate bleaching of any square portion of the electrochromic device, first an opposite potential is applied to provide 50% bleaching, then this square portion is shorted with the second flexible electrode. was done. In this case, fading of each square portion occurred within 4 seconds.

Finally, it should be understood that the processes and techniques described herein are not inherently related to any particular instrument and may be implemented by any suitable combination of components. . Moreover, various types of general purpose devices may be used in accordance with the teachings described herein. It may also prove advantageous to construct specialized equipment to perform the method steps described herein. The present invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

Moreover, other implementations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. Various aspects and/or components of the described embodiments may be used singly or in any combination in methods of making electrochromic compositions for use in devices involving electrically controlled absorption of light. may be used. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Another aspect of the present invention may be as follows.
[1] A method of manufacturing an electrochromic device comprising at least two flexible electrodes and a hermetically closed space between the at least two flexible electrodes, wherein the at least two flexible At least one of the electrodes is optically transparent, and the hermetically closed space between the at least two flexible electrodes is filled with an electrochromic composition, the method comprising ( 1) preparing an initial electrochromic composition in the form of an electrochromic dispersion comprising at least one of a suspension and a colloid, wherein the carrier medium of the electrochromic dispersion comprises a hot solvent, a cold solvent and a cathode component and an anodic component, wherein the dispersed phase of said electrochromic dispersion comprises a highly dispersed polymer; and (2) said hermetically closing between said at least two flexible electrodes. (3) sealing the hermetically closed space between the at least two flexible electrodes; A method of manufacturing an electrochromic device.
[2] The method for producing an electrochromic device according to [1], wherein the electrochromic solution further contains a neutral electrolyte.
[3] The method for producing an electrochromic device according to [1], wherein the highly dispersible polymer is provided in an amount sufficient to form a solid layer of the electrochromic composition.
[4] The method for producing an electrochromic device according to [1] above, wherein the high-temperature solvent and/or the low-temperature solvent contain chemical compounds or mixtures of chemical compounds individually or in combination.
[5] The method for producing an electrochromic device according to [1], wherein the cathodic component is an individual organic electrochromic compound having at least one reversible reduction wave in the polarogram.
[6] The method for producing an electrochromic device according to [1], wherein the anode component is an individual organic electrochromic compound having at least one reversible oxidation wave in the polarogram.
[7] further comprising applying the initial electrochromic composition onto at least one of the two flexible electrodes and drying the applied initial electrochromic composition to complete the removal of the low temperature solvent; The method for manufacturing the electrochromic device according to [1] above.
[8] applying half the amount of the initial electrochromic composition onto each of the two flexible electrodes; drying the applied initial electrochromic composition; The method of manufacturing the electrochromic device according to [1] above, further comprising the step of laminating a first one of the electrodes with a second one of the two flexible electrodes.
[9] The method for producing an electrochromic device according to [1] above, wherein the initial electrochromic composition further comprises an ultraviolet (UV) blocking additive.
[10] The method for producing an electrochromic device according to [1] above, wherein the initial electrochromic composition further contains an antioxidant.
[11] The method of manufacturing the electrochromic device according to [1] above, further comprising coating the electrochromic device with a protective layer for protection from infrared (IR) irradiation.
[12] said at least _two flexible electrodes are a polymer substrate coated on one side with a transparent conductive layer of doped indium oxide _{( In2O3} ) or doped tin oxide (SnO2); The method of manufacturing the electrochromic device according to [1] above, comprising:
[13] The method for producing an electrochromic device according to [12] above, wherein the polymer substrate is a polyethylene terephthalate substrate.
[14] the at least two flexible electrodes are sealed around a perimeter such that the transparent conductive layer is located within an enclosed space defined between the at least two flexible electrodes; The method for producing the electrochromic device according to [12] above, wherein the electrochromic device is bonded by
[15] The electrochromic device according to [14] above, wherein the joint between the at least two flexible electrodes includes a spacer for providing a predetermined distance between the at least two flexible electrodes. how to manufacture
[16] The method of manufacturing an electrochromic device of [1], wherein a bus of conductive traces is provided along the longest sides of the at least two flexible electrodes.
[17] An electrochromic device comprising at least two flexible electrodes and a hermetically closed space between said at least two flexible electrodes, wherein of said at least two flexible electrodes is optically transmissive, and the hermetically closed space between the at least two flexible electrodes is filled with an electrochromic composition, the electrochromic device comprising (1) Preparing an initial electrochromic composition in the form of an electrochromic dispersion comprising at least one of a suspension and a colloid, wherein the dispersion medium of the electrochromic dispersion comprises a hot solvent, a cold solvent, a cathode component and an anode. (2) said hermetically closed electrode between said at least two flexible electrodes; filling a space with a dried electrochromic composition; and (3) sealing the hermetically closed space between the at least two flexible electrodes. manufactured electrochromic device.
[18] The electrochromic device of [17] above, wherein the electrochromic solution further contains a neutral electrolyte.
[19] The electrochromic device of [17] above, wherein the highly dispersible polymer is provided in an amount sufficient to form a solid layer of the initial electrochromic composition.
[20] The electrochromic device according to [17] above, wherein the high temperature solvent and/or the low temperature solvent contain chemical compounds or mixtures of chemical compounds individually or in combination.

Claims (4)

An electrochromic device comprising at least two flexible electrodes and a hermetically closed space between said at least two flexible electrodes, wherein at least one of said at least two flexible electrodes is light transmissive, and the hermetically closed space between the at least two flexible electrodes is filled with an electrochromic composition, the electrochromic device comprising:
(1) preparing an initial electrochromic composition in the form of an electrochromic dispersion comprising at least one of a suspension and a colloid, wherein the dispersion medium of the electrochromic dispersion comprises a hot solvent and a cold solvent; an electrochromic solution comprising a liquid solvent comprising a cathodic component and an anodic component, wherein the dispersed phase of the electrochromic dispersion comprises a finely divided polymer;
(2) fabricating at least one of said two flexible electrodes such that a conductive coating is applied on a polymer substrate in the form of mutually insulated conductive layers or portions of arbitrary shape; and
(3) coating at least one of the flexible electrodes with an initial electrochromic composition;
(4) drying the initial electrochromic composition applied onto the flexible electrode(s) to remove the cryogenic solvent and form a solid, uniform electrochromic layer; and
(5) laminating one flexible electrode having the dried electrochromic composition with the other flexible electrode;
(6) connecting all said layers or portions of said flexible electrode to a conductive bus;
(7) sealing the hermetically closed space between the two flexible electrodes;
An electrochromic device manufactured by a method comprising: The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein said electrochromic solution further comprises a neutral electrolyte. 2. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein said finely divided polymer is provided in an amount sufficient to form a solid layer of said initial electrochromic composition. 2. The electrochromic device of claim 1, wherein said hot solvent and/or said cold solvent comprise chemical compounds or mixtures of chemical compounds, individually or in combination.

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