KR20220067580A - Electrochromic element and electrochromic device comprising the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to an electrochromic element. The electrochromic element according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a substrate; a first electrode layer on the substrate; an electrochromic stack on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer on the electrochromic stack, wherein the electrochromic stack comprises an electrochromic layer, an ion storage layer, and an electrolyte layer which is arranged between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer, the electrochromic layer comprises tungsten oxide, and a first tungsten atomic percentage at a first point of the electrochromic layer, which is positioned at a first distance from the substrate, is larger than a second tungsten atomic percentage at a second point of the electrochromic layer, which is positioned at a second distance that is longer than the first distance from the substrate, by a predetermined value or more. The electrochromic element and the electrochromic apparatus can maintain the high reliability even when the electrochromic element and the electrochromic apparatus are used for a long time.

Description

Electrochromic device and electrochromic device including same

The present application relates to an electrochromic device and an electrochromic device including the same, and more particularly, to an electrochromic device including a solid electrochromic layer and an electrochromic device including the same.

Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a color is changed based on a redox reaction induced by an applied power. The electrochromic material may be defined as an electrochromic material. The electrochromic material has no color when power is not applied from the outside. When power is applied, the electrochromic material takes on a color, or, conversely, has a color when power is not applied from the outside. The color disappears when power is applied. have characteristics.

Electrochromic devices including the electrochromic material have been used for various purposes. In particular, the electrochromic element is used to block the driver's view obstruction due to the strong light of the rear vehicle of the rear view mirror used in the vehicle, or to adjust the light transmittance or reflectivity of window glass for construction or automobile glass. has been

However, since the electrochromic device has a slow electrochromic speed and a poor electrochromic uniformity, the performance of applications in which the electrochromic device is provided has continued to be deteriorated. Accordingly, the demand for an electrochromic device having a fast electrochromic speed and improved electrochromic uniformity has recently increased.

One problem to be solved by the present application is to provide an electrochromic device having a fast color change rate and an electrochromic device including the same.

One problem to be solved by the present application is to provide an electrochromic device having a high color change uniformity and an electrochromic device including the same.

One problem to be solved by the present application is to provide an electrochromic device having high reliability and an electrochromic device including the same.

The problem to be solved is not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and the problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the substrate; a first electrode layer on the substrate; an electrochromic stack on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer on the electrochromic stack, wherein the electrochromic stack includes an electrochromic layer, an ion storage layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer, the electrochromic layer comprising: a first tungsten atomic percentage at a first point of the electrochromic layer located at a first distance from the substrate comprising tungsten oxide; An electrochromic element greater than a predetermined value or more than the second tungsten atomic percentage at the two points may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the substrate; a first electrode layer on the substrate; an electrochromic stack on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer on the electrochromic stack, wherein the electrochromic stack includes an electrochromic layer, an ion storage layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer, the electrochromic layer comprising: a first oxygen atomic percentage at a first point of the electrochromic layer located at a first distance from the substrate comprising tungsten oxide; An electrochromic element smaller than the second oxygen atom percentage at the two points by a predetermined value or more may be provided.

The solution to the problem is not limited to the above-mentioned solutions, and solutions that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs from the present specification and the accompanying drawings. .

According to an embodiment of the present application, an electrochromic device having a fast color change rate and an electrochromic device including the same may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present application, an electrochromic device having a high color change uniformity and an electrochromic device including the same may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present application, an electrochromic device having high reliability that maintains performance even after long-term use and an electrochromic device including the same can be provided.

The effect of the invention is not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and the effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs from the present specification and accompanying drawings.

1 is a view of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.
2 is a diagram of a control module of an electrochromic device according to an exemplary embodiment.
3 is a view of an electrochromic device according to an exemplary embodiment.
4 and 5 are graphs and tables in which the composition of the electrochromic device according to the first embodiment is measured by XPS depth analysis.
6 and 7 are graphs and tables in which the composition of the electrochromic device according to the second embodiment is measured by XPS depth analysis.
8 and 9 are graphs and tables in which the composition of the electrochromic device according to the third embodiment is measured by XPS depth analysis.
10 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device according to a fourth embodiment.
11 is a view of a cross-section of an electrochromic device according to a fifth embodiment.
12 is a view of a region of a cross-section of the electrochromic device according to the fifth embodiment.

The above-described objects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, since the present application may have various changes and may have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be exemplified in the drawings and described in detail below.

In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity, and also, an element or layer may be referred to as “on” or “on” another component or layer. What is referred to includes all cases in which another layer or other component is interposed in the middle as well as directly on top of another component or layer. Throughout the specification, like reference numerals refer to like elements in principle. In addition, components having the same function within the scope of the same idea shown in the drawings of each embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

If it is determined that a detailed description of a known function or configuration related to the present application may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present application, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, numbers (eg, first, second, etc.) used in the description process of the present specification are only identification symbols for distinguishing one component from other components.

In addition, the suffixes "module" and "part" for components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of only the ease of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles by themselves.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the substrate; a first electrode layer on the substrate; an electrochromic stack on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer on the electrochromic stack, wherein the electrochromic stack includes an electrochromic layer, an ion storage layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer, the electrochromic layer comprising: a first tungsten atomic percentage at a first point of the electrochromic layer located at a first distance from the substrate comprising tungsten oxide; An electrochromic element greater than a predetermined value or more than the second tungsten atomic percentage at the two points may be provided.

The ion storage layer may include a metal oxide, and a first atomic percentage of the metal at a third point of the ion storage layer located at a third distance from the substrate and a fourth greater than the third distance from the substrate A difference between the second atomic percentage of the metal at the fourth point of the ion storage layer located at a distance may be smaller than the predetermined value.

The metal oxide may be characterized in that it is discolored due to the application of power.

A tungsten atomic percentage in the region between the first point and the second point may have a value between the first tungsten atomic percentage and the second tungsten atomic percentage.

The tungsten atomic percentage from the first point to the second point may decrease from the first tungsten atomic percentage to the second tungsten atomic percentage.

The ion storage layer may include a first metal oxide and a second metal oxide, and an atomic percentage of the first metal and an atomic percentage of the second metal in a region adjacent to the electrolyte layer among both surface regions of the ion storage layer The difference in atomic percentage may be greater than the difference in the remaining area of the two surface areas.

The electrochromic layer may include a physical structure including at least one of a color-changing column and a color-changing medium.

A density of the physical structures at the second point may be greater than a density of the physical structures at the first point.

The discoloration column may be formed from the second point toward the first electrode layer.

According to an embodiment of the present application, the substrate; a first electrode layer on the substrate; an electrochromic stack on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer on the electrochromic stack, wherein the electrochromic stack includes an electrochromic layer, an ion storage layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer, the electrochromic layer comprising: a first oxygen atomic percentage at a first point of the electrochromic layer located at a first distance from the substrate comprising tungsten oxide; An electrochromic element smaller than the second oxygen atom percentage at the two points by a predetermined value or more may be provided.

It may further include a first interface region formed between the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer, wherein the peak value of the oxygen atom percentage in the electrochromic layer, the first interface region, and the electrolyte layer is in the first interface region can be located

It may further include a second interface region formed between the electrolyte layer and the ion storage layer, wherein the peak value of the oxygen atom percentage in the electrolyte layer, the second interface region and the ion storage layer is in the second interface region can be located

The ion storage layer may include a metal oxide, and a third oxygen atomic percentage at a third point of the ion storage layer located at a third distance from the substrate and a fourth distance greater than the third distance from the substrate The difference between the fourth oxygen atom percentage at the fourth point of the ion storage layer positioned may be smaller than the predetermined value.

The oxygen atom percentage in the region between the first point and the second point may have a value between the first oxygen atom percentage and the second oxygen atom percentage.

The oxygen atom percentage from the first point to the second point may increase from the first oxygen atom percentage to the second oxygen atom percentage.

The electrochromic layer may include a physical structure including at least one of a color-changing column and a color-changing medium.

A density of the physical structures at the second point may be greater than a density of the physical structures at the first point.

The discoloration column may be formed from the second point toward the first electrode layer.

Hereinafter, an electrochromic device and an electrochromic device including the same will be described.

The electrochromic device described in the present application may refer to a device having a characteristic in which reflectance or transmittance according to a wavelength band of light can be adjusted due to the application of power. The reflectance or transmittance can be adjusted by ion movement inside the electrochromic device. The ion may include at least one of H+ and Li+.

Illustratively, the electrochromic device described in the present application may be an electrochromic mirror or an electrochromic window. The electrochromic mirror described in the present application may be used for a vehicle rearview mirror, a side mirror, and the like. The electrochromic window described in the present application may be used for vehicle glass, architectural glass, glasses lens, camera lens, and the like.

1 is a view of an electrochromic device according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an electrochromic apparatus 1 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a control module 1000 and an electrochromic device 2000 .

The electrochromic device 1 may receive power from an external power source 2 .

The external power source 2 may supply power to the electrochromic device 1 . The external power source 2 may supply power to the control module 1000 . The external power source 2 may supply voltage and/or current to the control module 1000 . The external power source 2 may supply a DC voltage or an AC voltage to the control module 1000 .

The control module 1000 may control the electrochromic device 2000 . The control module 1000 may generate driving power based on the power input from the external power source 2 and supply it to the electrochromic device 2000 . The control module 1000 may drive the electrochromic device 2000 . The control module 1000 may change the state of the electrochromic device 2000 through the driving power. The control module 1000 may adjust the transmittance of the electrochromic device 2000 . The control module 1000 may adjust the reflectance of the electrochromic device 2000 . The control module 1000 may change the color of the electrochromic device 2000 . The control module 1000 may discolor or color the electrochromic device 2000 . The control module 1000 may control the electrochromic device 2000 to be discolored or colored.

The state of the electrochromic device 2000 may be changed by the control module 1000 . The state of the electrochromic device 2000 may be changed by the driving voltage. The electrochromic element 2000 may be discolored by the driving voltage. The electrochromic device 2000 may be discolored or colored by the driving voltage. Transmittance of the electrochromic device 2000 may be changed by the driving voltage. The reflectance of the electrochromic device 2000 may be changed by the driving voltage.

The electrochromic device 2000 may be used in an electrochromic mirror. The electrochromic element 2000 may be used in an electrochromic window. When the electrochromic element 2000 is used for an electrochromic mirror, the reflectance of the electrochromic element 2000 may be changed by the driving voltage. When the electrochromic element 2000 is used in the electrochromic window, transmittance of the electrochromic element 2000 may be changed by the driving voltage.

When the electrochromic element 2000 is used in an electrochromic mirror, when the electrochromic element 2000 is colored, the reflectance of the electrochromic element 2000 may decrease, and when the electrochromic element 2000 is discolored The reflectance of the electrochromic element 2000 may increase.

When the electrochromic element 2000 is used in the electrochromic window, when the electrochromic element 2000 is colored, the transmittance of the electrochromic element 2000 decreases, and when the electrochromic element 2000 is discolored, the electrochromic element 2000 is discolored. Transmittance of the color-changing element 2000 may increase.

2 is a diagram of a control module of an electrochromic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the control module 1000 of the electrochromic apparatus according to an embodiment may include a control unit 1100 , a power conversion unit 1200 , an output unit 1300 , and a storage unit 1400 .

The control unit 1100 may control the power conversion unit 1200 , the output unit 1300 , and the storage unit 1400 .

The control unit 1100 may generate a control signal for changing the state of the electrochromic device 2000 and output it to the output unit 1300 to control the voltage output by the output unit 130 .

The control unit 1100 may operate by the voltage output from the external power source 2 or the power conversion unit 1200 .

When the control unit 1100 operates by the voltage output from the external power source 2 , the control unit 1100 may include a configuration capable of converting power. For example, when receiving an AC voltage from the external power source 2 , the controller 1100 may convert the AC voltage into a DC voltage and use it for operation. In addition, when receiving a DC voltage from the external power source 2 , the control unit 1100 may lower the DC voltage from the external power source 2 and use it for operation.

The power conversion unit 1200 may receive power from the external power source 2 . The power converter 1200 may receive current and/or voltage. The power conversion unit 1200 may receive a DC voltage or an AC voltage.

The power conversion unit 1200 may generate internal power based on the power supplied from the external power source 2 . The power conversion unit 1200 may convert the power supplied from the external power 2 to generate internal power. The power conversion unit 1200 may supply the internal power to each component of the control module 1000 . The power conversion unit 1200 may supply the internal power to the control unit 1100 , the output unit 1300 , and the storage unit 1400 . The internal power may be an operating power for operating each component of the control module 1000 . The control unit 1100 , the output unit 1300 , and the storage unit 1400 may operate by the internal power supply. When the power conversion unit 1200 supplies internal power to the control unit 1100 , the control unit 1100 may not receive power from the external power source 2 . In this case, the configuration for converting power to the control unit 1100 may be omitted.

The power conversion unit 1200 may change the level of power supplied from the external power source 2 . The power conversion unit 1200 may change the power supplied from the external power source 2 into DC power. The power conversion unit 1200 may change the power supplied from the external power source 2 into AC power.

For example, the power conversion unit 1200 may change the level after changing the power supplied from the external power source 2 to the DC power. When the power conversion unit 1200 receives the AC voltage from the external power source 2 , the power conversion unit 1200 may change the DC voltage and then change the level of the changed DC voltage. In this case, the power conversion unit 1200 may include a regulator. The power conversion unit 1200 may include a linear regulator that directly adjusts the supplied power, generates a pulse based on the supplied power, and outputs an adjusted voltage by adjusting the amount of the pulse It may include a switching regulator (switching regulator).

As another example, when the power conversion unit 1200 receives a DC voltage from the external power source 2 , the power conversion unit 1200 may change the level of the supplied DC voltage.

The internal power output from the power conversion unit 1200 may include a plurality of voltage levels. The power conversion unit 1200 may generate internal power having a plurality of voltage levels required for each component of the control module 1000 to operate.

The output unit 1300 may generate a driving voltage. The output unit 1300 may generate a driving voltage based on the internal power. The output unit 1300 may generate a driving voltage under the control of the control unit 1100 . The output unit 1300 may apply the driving voltage to the electrochromic device 2000 . The output unit 1300 may output driving voltages having different levels under the control of the control unit 1100 . That is, the output unit 1300 may change the level of the driving voltage under the control of the control unit 1100 . The electrochromic element 2000 may be discolored by the driving voltage output from the output unit 1300 . The electrochromic device 200 may be colored or discolored by the driving voltage output from the output unit 1300 .

Coloring and discoloration of the electrochromic device 2000 may be determined by the range of the driving voltage. For example, when the driving voltage is above a specific level, the electrochromic device 2000 may be colored, and when the driving voltage is below a specific level, the electrochromic device 2000 may be discolored. Alternatively, when the driving voltage is equal to or higher than a specific level, the electrochromic device 2000 may be discolored, and when the driving voltage is lower than a specific level, the electrochromic device 2000 may be colored. When the specific level is 0, the electrochromic device 2000 may be changed to a colored or discolored state by the polarity of the driving voltage.

The degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 2000 may be determined by the magnitude of the driving voltage. The degree of discoloration of the electrochromic device 2000 may correspond to the magnitude of the driving voltage. The degree of coloring or discoloration of the electrochromic device 2000 may be determined by the magnitude of the driving voltage. For example, when a driving voltage of a first level is applied to the electrochromic element 2000 , the electrochromic element 2000 may be colored to a first degree. When a driving voltage of a second level greater than the first level is applied to the electrochromic element 2000 , the electrochromic element 2000 may be colored to a second degree greater than the first level. That is, when a large level of voltage is supplied to the electrochromic element 2000 , the degree of coloring of the electrochromic element 2000 may be greater. When a larger voltage is applied to the electrochromic element 2000 when the electrochromic element 2000 is a mirror, the reflectance of the electrochromic element 2000 may decrease. When a larger voltage is supplied to the electrochromic element 2000 when the electrochromic element 2000 is a window, the transmittance of the electrochromic element 2000 may decrease.

The storage unit 1400 may store data related to the driving voltage. The storage unit 1400 may store a driving voltage corresponding to the degree of discoloration. The storage unit 1400 may store the driving voltage corresponding to the degree of discoloration in the form of a lookup table.

The control unit 1100 may receive a degree of discoloration from the outside, load a driving voltage corresponding thereto from the storage unit 1400 , and generate a driving voltage corresponding thereto by controlling the output unit 1300 . The control unit 1100 determines the degree of discoloration based on the external environment, loads a driving voltage corresponding thereto from the storage unit 1400, and controls the output unit 1300 to generate a driving voltage corresponding thereto. can

3 is a view of an electrochromic device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the electrochromic device 2000 according to an embodiment may include a substrate 2100 , a first electrode layer 2200 , an electrochromic stack, and a second electrode layer 2400 . The electrochromic stack may include an ion storage layer 2310 , an electrolyte layer 2320 , and an electrochromic layer 2330 .

The substrate 2100 may be an object on which the first electrode layer 2200 , the ion storage layer 2310 , the electrolyte layer 2320 , the electrochromic layer 2330 , and the second electrode layer 2400 are formed.

The substrate 2100 may be an object having a property through which light may pass. The substrate 2100 may be an object formed to collect or disperse light, such as a lens.

The material of the substrate 2100 may be various. For example, the substrate 2100 may be a transparent substrate formed of glass. As another example, the substrate 2100 may be a transparent substrate formed of plastic.

The first electrode layer 2200 may be positioned on the substrate 2100 .

The second electrode layer 2400 may be positioned on the first electrode layer 2200 . The first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 may be positioned to face each other. An electrochromic layer 2330 may be positioned between the first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 .

The electrochromic layer 2330 may be a solid-type electrochromic material layer. The electrochromic layer 2330 may be in the form of a single layer, or may be in the form of a multi-layer.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the ion storage layer 2310 may be positioned between the electrochromic layer 2330 and the first electrode layer 2200 . The electrolyte layer 2320 may be positioned between the electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 .

Alternatively, the ion storage layer 2310 may be positioned between the electrochromic layer 2330 and the second electrode layer 2400 . The electrolyte layer 2320 may be positioned between the electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 .

The first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 may transmit incident light. Alternatively, any one of the first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 may reflect the incident light, and the other may transmit the incident light.

When the electrochromic element 200 is used in the electrochromic window, the first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 may transmit incident light. When the electrochromic device 200 is used for an electrochromic mirror, any one of the first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 may reflect incident light.

When the electrochromic device 200 is used in the electrochromic window, the first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 may be formed of transparent electrodes. The first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 may be formed of a transparent conductive material. The first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 are doped with at least one of indium, tin, zinc, and/or oxide. Metal. may include For example, the first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 may be formed of indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

When the electrochromic device 200 is used in the electrochromic mirror, any one of the first electrode layer 2200 and the second electrode layer 2400 may be a transparent electrode, and the other one may be a reflective electrode. have. For example, referring to FIG. 3 , the first electrode layer 2200 may be a transparent electrode, and the second electrode layer 2400 may be a reflective electrode. In this case, the reflective electrode may be formed of a metal material having a high reflectance. The reflective electrode may include at least one of aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and tungsten (W). have. The transparent electrode may be formed of a transparent conductive material. Of course, in FIG. 3 as well, the first electrode layer 2200 may be a reflective electrode, and the second electrode layer 2400 may be a transparent electrode.

The optical properties of the electrochromic layer 2330 may be changed by ions flowing into the electrochromic layer 2330 or flowing out from the electrochromic layer 2330 . The electrochromic layer 2330 may be discolored by ions flowing into the electrochromic layer 2330 or flowing out from the electrochromic layer 2330 .

Ions may be introduced into the electrochromic layer 2330 . When ions are introduced into the electrochromic layer 2330 , the optical properties of the electrochromic layer 2330 may be changed. When ions are introduced into the electrochromic layer 2330 , the electrochromic layer 2330 may be discolored. When ions are introduced into the electrochromic layer 2330 , the electrochromic layer 2330 may be colored or discolored. When ions are introduced into the electrochromic layer 2330 , the light transmittance and/or light absorption of the electrochromic layer 2330 may be changed. As ions are introduced into the electrochromic layer 2330, the electrochromic layer 2330 may be reduced. As ions are introduced into the electrochromic layer 2330 , the electrochromic layer 2330 may be reduced in color. As ions are introduced into the electrochromic layer 2330, the electrochromic layer 2330 may be reduced in color. Alternatively, when ions are introduced into the electrochromic layer 2330, the electrochromic layer 2330 may be reduced and decolorized.

Ions introduced into the electrochromic layer 2330 may be released. When ions of the electrochromic layer 2330 are released, optical properties of the electrochromic layer 2330 may be changed. When ions of the electrochromic layer 2330 are released, the electrochromic layer 2330 may be discolored. When ions of the electrochromic layer 2330 are released, the electrochromic layer 2330 may be colored or discolored. When the ions of the electrochromic layer 2330 are released, the light transmittance and/or the light absorption rate of the electrochromic layer 2330 may be changed. As ions of the electrochromic layer 2330 are released, the electrochromic layer 2330 may be oxidized. As ions of the electrochromic layer 2330 are released, the electrochromic layer 2330 may be oxidatively discolored. As ions of the electrochromic layer 2330 are released, the electrochromic layer 2330 may be oxidized. Alternatively, when ions of the electrochromic layer 2330 are released, the electrochromic layer 2330 may be oxidized and discolored.

The electrochromic layer 2330 may be formed of a material that is discolored by ion migration. The electrochromic layer 2330 is tungsten oxide (eg, WO ₃ ), titanium oxide (eg, TiO ₂ ), vanadium oxide (eg, V ₂ O ₅ ), niobium oxide (eg, Nb ₂ O ₅ ), chromium oxide (eg Cr ₂ O ₃ ), manganese oxide (eg MnO ₂ ), iron oxide (eg FeO ₂ ), cobalt oxide (eg CoO ₂ ), nickel oxide (eg NiO), rhodium oxide (eg RhO) ₂ ), tantalum oxide (eg, Ta ₂ O ₅ ), and iridium oxide (eg, IrO ₂ ) may include at least one of metal oxides. The electrochromic layer 2330 may have a physical internal structure.

The ion storage layer 2310 may store ions. The optical properties of the ion storage layer 2310 may be changed by ions flowing into the ion storage layer 2310 or flowing out from the ion storage layer 2310 . The ion storage layer 2310 may be discolored by ions flowing into the ion storage layer 2310 or flowing out from the ion storage layer 2310 .

Ions may be introduced into the ion storage layer 2310 . When ions are introduced into the ion storage layer 2310 , the optical properties of the ion storage layer 2310 may be changed. When ions are introduced into the ion storage layer 2310 , the ion storage layer 2310 may be discolored. When ions are introduced into the ion storage layer 2310 , the ion storage layer 2310 may be colored or discolored. When ions are introduced into the ion storage layer 2310 , the light transmittance and/or light absorption rate of the ion storage layer 2310 may be changed. As ions are introduced into the ion storage layer 2310 , the ion storage layer 2310 may be reduced. As ions are introduced into the ion storage layer 2310, the ion storage layer 2310 may be reduced in color. As ions are introduced into the ion storage layer 2310 , the ion storage layer 2310 may be reduced in color. Alternatively, when ions are introduced into the ion storage layer 2310, the ion storage layer 2310 may be reduced and decolorized.

The ions introduced into the ion storage layer 2310 may be released. When the ions of the ion storage layer 2310 are released, the optical properties of the ion storage layer 2310 may be changed. When ions of the ion storage layer 2310 are released, the ion storage layer 2310 may be discolored. When ions of the ion storage layer 2310 are released, the ion storage layer 2310 may be colored or discolored. When the ions of the ion storage layer 2310 are released, the light transmittance and/or the light absorption rate of the ion storage layer 2310 may be changed. As ions of the ion storage layer 2310 are released, the ion storage layer 2310 may be oxidized. As ions of the ion storage layer 2310 are released, the ion storage layer 2310 may be oxidatively discolored. As ions of the ion storage layer 2310 are released, the ion storage layer 2310 may be oxidized. Alternatively, when ions of the ion storage layer 2310 are released, the ion storage layer 2310 may be oxidized and discolored.

The ion storage layer 2310 may be formed of a material that is discolored by ion migration. The ion storage layer 2310 is iridium oxide (eg, IrO ₂ ), tantalum oxide (eg, Ta ₂ O ₅ ), nickel oxide (eg, NiO), manganese oxide (eg, MnO ₂ ), cobalt oxide (eg : CoO ₂ ), iridium-magnesium oxide, nickel-magnesium oxide, and titanium- may include at least one of a metal oxide such as vanadium oxide. The ion storage layer 2310 may have a physical internal structure. The physical internal structure of the ion storage layer 2310 may be different from the physical internal structure of the electrochromic layer 2330 .

The electrolyte layer 2320 may be a passage of ions between the electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 . The electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 may exchange ions through the electrolyte layer 2320 . The electrolyte layer 2320 may serve as a movement path for ions, whereas it may act as a barrier for electrons. That is, ions can move through the electrolyte layer 2320 but electrons cannot. In other words, the electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 can exchange ions through the electrolyte layer 2320, but cannot exchange electrons.

The electrolyte layer 2320 may include an insulating material. The electrolyte layer 2320 may be a solid. The electrolyte layer 2320 may include tantalum oxide (eg, Ta ₂ O ₅ ), silicon oxide (eg, SiO ₂ ), aluminum oxide (eg, Al ₂ O ₃ ), and niobium oxide (eg, Nb ₂ O ₃ , Nb). ₂ O ₅ ), lithium-tantalum oxide (eg LiTaO ₃ ), lithium-niobium oxide (eg LiNbO ₃ ), lanthanum-titanium oxide (eg La ₂ TiO ₇ , LaTiO ₃ ), strontium-zinc oxide (eg : SrZrO ₃ ), zinc oxide (eg, ZrO ₂ ), yttrium oxide (eg, Y ₂ O ₃ ), and hafnium oxide (eg, HfO ₂ ) may include at least one.

When the ions of the electrochromic layer 2330 are released, the released ions may flow into the ion storage layer 2310 , and when the ions of the ion storage layer 2310 are released, the separated ions are the electrochromic layer 2330 may be introduced. The ions may move through the electrolyte layer 2320 .

Chemical reactions occurring in the electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 may be different from each other. The electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 may have opposite chemical reactions. When the electrochromic layer 2330 is oxidized, the ion storage layer 2310 may be reduced. When the electrochromic layer 2330 is reduced, the ion storage layer 2310 may be oxidized.

Accordingly, the ion storage layer 2310 may serve as a counter electrode of the electrochromic layer 2330 .

The states of the electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 may be changed by movement of ions.

Corresponding optical state changes may be induced in the electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 . For example, when the electrochromic layer 2330 is colored, the ion storage layer 2310 may also be colored, and when the electrochromic layer 2330 is discolored, the ion storage layer 2310 may also be discolored. have. When the electrochromic layer 2330 is oxidatively colored, the ion storage layer 2310 may be reduced in color, and when the electrochromic layer 2330 is reduced in color, the ion storage layer 2310 may be oxidatively colored. have.

Different optical state changes may be induced in the electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 . For example, when the electrochromic layer 2330 is colored, the ion storage layer 2310 may be discolored, and when the electrochromic layer 2330 is discolored, the ion storage layer 2310 may be colored. have. When the electrochromic layer 2330 is oxidatively colored, the ion storage layer 2310 may be reduced and colored, and when the electrochromic layer 2330 is oxidized and colored, the ion storage layer 2310 may be reduced and colored. have. The electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 may have different transmittances. Since the electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 have different transmittances, the electrochromic device 2000 is also changed by different optical states of the electrochromic layer 2330 and the ion storage layer 2310 . ) can be adjusted.

For example, since the transmittance of the electrochromic device 2000 may be determined by the transmittance of a colored layer, the transmittance when the electrochromic layer 2330 is colored is the transmittance when the ion storage layer 2310 is colored. When smaller than that, when the electrochromic layer 2330 is colored, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 2000 may be smaller than the transmittance of the electrochromic device 2000 when the ion storage layer 2310 is colored. Accordingly, the transmittance of the electrochromic device 2000 may be controlled by changing the colored layer.

In some embodiments, the electrochromic device may be formed through a deposition process such as sputtering. For example, at least a portion of the first electrode layer, the electrochromic layer, the electrolyte layer, the ion storage layer, and the second electrode layer may be formed through a deposition process.

Hereinafter, the composition of the electrochromic device will be described with reference to some embodiments.

4 and 5 are graphs and tables obtained by measuring the composition of the electrochromic element according to the first embodiment by XPS depth analysis. The electrochromic element according to the first embodiment is a substrate, a first electrode layer formed of ITO, and tungsten oxide. The formed electrochromic layer, the electrolyte layer formed of tantalum oxide, the ion storage layer formed of iridium-tantalum oxide, and the second electrode layer formed of ITO are sequentially stacked.

4 and 5 , the first electrode layer may correspond to a first depth 1 to a second depth 2 . The electrochromic layer may correspond to a third depth 3 to a fourth depth 4 . The electrolyte layer may correspond to a fifth depth (5) to a sixth depth (6). The ion storage layer may correspond to a seventh depth (7) to an eighth depth (8). The second electrode layer may correspond to a ninth depth 9 to a tenth depth 10 . Regions between different layers may be referred to as interfacial regions. For example, the region between the fourth depth 4 and the fifth depth 5, which is a region between the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer, is an interfacial region between the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer, which The same will apply to the interfacial region between different layers.

4 and 5 , the tungsten atomic percentage of the electrochromic layer may decrease from the third depth 3 to the fourth depth 4 . On the other hand, the oxygen atom percentage of the electrochromic layer may increase from the third depth 3 to the fourth depth 4 . The third depth 3 may be a position closer to the substrate than the fourth depth 4 . The third depth 3 may be an electrochromic layer formed before the fourth depth 4 .

4 and 5 , the difference in atomic percentage in both surface regions of the electrochromic layer may be greater than the difference in atomic percentage in both surface regions of the electrolyte layer or the ion storage layer.

For example, the difference between the tungsten atomic percentage at the third depth 3 and the fourth depth 4 of the electrochromic layer is greater than or equal to a predetermined value (eg, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%). can On the other hand, the difference between the tantalum atomic percentage at the fifth depth 5 and the sixth depth 6 of the electrolyte layer may be smaller than the predetermined value. Alternatively, the difference between the iridium atomic percentage at the seventh depth 7 and the eighth depth 8 of the ion storage layer may be smaller than the predetermined value. In FIG. 5 , it can be seen that the tungsten atomic percentage at the third depth 3 is 37.75%, which is 4.46% greater than the 33.29% at the fourth depth 4 . On the other hand, the tantalum atomic percentage at the fifth depth 5 is 28.88%, which is 0.58% smaller than 29.46% at the sixth depth 6, and the iridium atomic percentage at the seventh depth 7 is 15.88%. is 0.20% smaller than 16.08% at the eighth depth 8 .

As another example, the difference between the oxygen atom percentage at the third depth 3 and the fourth depth 4 of the electrochromic layer may be a predetermined value (eg, 1% or 2%) or more. On the other hand, the difference between the oxygen atom percentage at the fifth depth 5 and the sixth depth 6 of the electrolyte layer may be smaller than the predetermined value. Alternatively, the difference between the percentage of oxygen atoms in the seventh depth 7 and the eighth depth 8 of the ion storage layer may be smaller than the predetermined value. In FIG. 5 , it can be seen that the oxygen atom percentage at the third depth 3 is 63.67%, which is 2.49% smaller than 66.16% at the fourth depth 4 . On the other hand, the oxygen atom percentage at the fifth depth 5 is 70.77%, which is 0.51% greater than 70.26% at the sixth depth 6, and the oxygen atom percentage at the seventh depth 7 is 60.78%. 0.10% less than 60.88% at the eighth depth 8 .

Referring to FIG. 4 , the slope of the atomic percentage in one interfacial region of the layer may be different from the slope of the atomic percentage in the other interfacial region. For example, the slope of the tungsten atomic percentage in the interfacial region (second depth 2 to third depth 3) between the electrochromic layer and the first electrode layer is determined by the difference between the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer. It may be different from the slope of the tungsten atomic percentage in the interface region (the fourth depth 4 to the fifth depth 5), and in particular, the magnitude of the slope may be different.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the slope of the atomic percentage of one element in the interface region may be different from the slope of the atomic percentage of the other element. For example, the slope of the tungsten atomic percentage in the interfacial region between the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer (the fourth depth 4 to the fifth depth 5) may be different from the slope of the tantalum atomic percentage, In particular, the magnitude of the slope may be different.

Referring to FIG. 4 , an atomic percentage in an interface region between adjacent layers may be different from an atomic percentage in the adjacent layers. For example, an interfacial region (second depth 2 to third depth 3) between the first electrode layer and the electrochromic layer has a smaller oxygen atom percentage than the first electrode layer and the electrochromic layer, or oxygen It may include a point where the atomic percentage is small. As another example, the interfacial region (fourth depth (4) to fifth depth (5)) between the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer has a higher oxygen atom percentage than the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer, or an oxygen atom percentage You can include this big spot. As another example, the interfacial region between the electrolyte layer and the ion storage layer (the sixth depth 6 to the seventh depth 7) has an oxygen atom percentage greater than that of the electrolyte layer and the ion storage layer, or oxygen atoms It may include points with large percentages.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a peak value of an atomic percentage between adjacent layers may be located in an interface region between the adjacent layers. For example, from the first electrode layer to the electrochromic layer (first depth (1) to fourth depth (4)), the peak value of the oxygen atomic percentage (here, the local minimum value) is the first electrode layer and the electrochromic layer It may be located in the interface region between the layers (second depth 2 to third depth 3). As another example, the peak value (here, the local maximum) of the oxygen atomic percentage from the electrochromic layer to the electrolyte layer (third depth (3) to sixth depth (6)) is the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer It may be located in the interfacial region (fourth depth 4 to fifth depth 5) therebetween. As another example, from the electrolyte layer to the ion storage layer (from the fifth depth (5) to the eighth depth (8)), the peak value of the oxygen atomic percentage (here, the local maximum) is the electrolyte layer and the ion storage layer. It may be located in the interface region between the layers (6th depth 6 to 7th depth 7).

Referring to FIG. 4 , the difference or ratio of atomic percentages of the first metal and the second metal in both surface regions of the ion storage layer may be different. For example, the difference between the atomic percentage of iridium and the atomic percentage of tantalum in a region adjacent to the electrolyte layer (eg, the seventh depth 7) among both surface regions of the ion storage layer is the remaining region ( Example: It may be greater than the difference in the eighth depth (8).

6 and 7 are graphs and tables in which the composition of the electrochromic element according to the second embodiment is measured by XPS depth analysis. The electrochromic element according to the second embodiment is made of a substrate, a first electrode layer formed of ITO, and tungsten oxide The formed electrochromic layer, the electrolyte layer formed of tantalum oxide, the ion storage layer formed of iridium-tantalum oxide, and the second electrode layer formed of aluminum are sequentially stacked.

6 and 7 , the first electrode layer may correspond to a first depth 1 to a second depth 2 . The electrochromic layer may correspond to a third depth 3 to a fourth depth 4 . The electrolyte layer may correspond to a fifth depth (5) to a sixth depth (6). The ion storage layer may correspond to a seventh depth (7) to an eighth depth (8). The second electrode layer may correspond to a ninth depth 9 to a tenth depth 10 .

As for the atomic percentage of the electrochromic device according to the second embodiment, the above-described atomic percentage of the electrochromic device according to the first embodiment may be applied, and thus overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

8 and 9 are graphs and tables in which the composition of the electrochromic device according to the third embodiment is measured by XPS depth analysis. The electrochromic device according to the third embodiment has a substrate, a first electrode layer formed of ITO, and iridium-tantalum; It has a structure in which an ion storage layer formed of rum oxide, an electrolyte layer formed of tantalum oxide, an electrochromic layer formed of tungsten oxide, and a second electrode layer formed of aluminum are sequentially stacked.

8 and 9 , the first electrode layer may correspond to a first depth 1 to a second depth 2 . The thickness of the first electrode layer is about 130 nm. The ion storage layer may correspond to a third depth 3 to a fourth depth 4 . The thickness of the ion storage layer is about 90 nm. The electrolyte layer may correspond to a fifth depth (5) to a sixth depth (6). The thickness of the electrolyte layer is about 210 nm. The electrochromic layer may correspond to a seventh depth 7 to an eighth depth 8 . The thickness of the electrochromic layer is about 420 nm. The second electrode layer may correspond to a ninth depth 9 to a tenth depth 10 . The thickness of the second electrode layer is about 200 nm.

In the case of the electrochromic element according to the third embodiment, although the order of the layers is different from the electrochromic element according to the first embodiment, the above-described atomic percentage of the electrochromic element according to the first embodiment may be applied. Therefore, redundant descriptions are omitted.

In some embodiments, the electrochromic device includes a substrate, a first electrode layer formed of ITO, an electrochromic layer formed of tungsten oxide, an electrolyte layer formed of tantalum oxide, and an ion storage formed of iridium-tantalum oxide as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7 . It may have a multilayer structure in which a layer and a second electrode layer formed of ITO or aluminum are stacked in order. In this case, since the electrochromic layer including tungsten atoms is positioned close to the substrate, deterioration can be reduced, and thus a color change can be maintained. Since the iridium atom is more likely to be deformed when heat is applied compared to the tungsten atom, the electrochromic layer including the tungsten atom is positioned close to the substrate adjacent to the outside to prevent deterioration.

In some embodiments, the electrochromic device includes a substrate, a first electrode layer formed of ITO, an ion storage layer formed of iridium-tantalum oxide, an electrolyte layer formed of tantalum oxide, and an electrochromic material formed of tungsten oxide, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . It may have a multilayer structure in which a layer and a second electrode layer formed of ITO or aluminum are stacked in order. In this case, since the ion storage layer including iridium-tantalum oxide is located close to the substrate, a deviation between maximum reflectance and minimum reflectance or a deviation between maximum transmittance and minimum transmittance may increase. The light incident through the substrate is incident on the ion storage layer through the first electrode layer. When the first electrode layer is ITO, the difference in refractive index between ITO and iridium-tantalum oxide is the difference in refractive index between ITO and tungsten oxide. Since it is smaller, light lost on the surface can be reduced. That is, the amount of light incident into the electrochromic element increases, and thus, the deviation between the maximum reflectance and the minimum reflectance or the deviation between the maximum transmittance and the minimum transmittance may increase. The greater the deviation between the maximum reflectance and the minimum reflectance or the greater the deviation between the maximum transmittance and the minimum transmittance in the electrochromic element, the greater the range of the adjustable light quantity. has the effect of broadening the In addition, since the iridium atom is relatively stable to the photocatalytic reaction, even when light is irradiated to the ion storage layer including the iridium atom, there is a small change in electrical properties, thereby increasing the lifespan of the product.

10 is a view of a cross-section of the electrochromic device according to the fourth embodiment, and is an image obtained by photographing the cross-section of the electrochromic device by FIB-SEM (Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscopy). The electrochromic device 3000 of FIG. 10 includes a substrate 3100 formed of glass, a first electrode layer 3200 formed of ITO, an electrochromic layer 3330 formed of tungsten oxide, an electrolyte layer 3320 formed of tantalum oxide, The ion storage layer 3310 formed of iridium-tantalum oxide and the second electrode layer 3400 formed of aluminum are sequentially stacked.

11 is a view of a cross-section of an electrochromic element according to a fifth embodiment, and is an image of the cross-section of the electrochromic element taken by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The electrochromic device 4000 of FIG. 11 includes a substrate 4100 formed of glass, a first electrode layer 4200 formed of ITO, an electrochromic layer 4330 formed of tungsten oxide, an electrolyte layer 4320 formed of tantalum oxide, The ion storage layer 4310 formed of iridium-tantalum oxide and the second electrode layer 4400 formed of aluminum are sequentially stacked.

12 is a view of a region of a cross-section of the electrochromic device according to the fifth embodiment, and relates to an enlarged image of one region of the image of FIG. 11 .

Hereinafter, the physical structure of the electrochromic device will be described based on the electrochromic device according to the fourth and fifth embodiments shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 .

In some embodiments, the electrochromic device may include a physical structure. For example, at least one of the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer may include the physical structure. The physical structure may include at least one of a column and a medium. The column may include color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 included in the electrochromic layer and an ion column included in the ion storage layer. The medium may include the discoloration medium 4020 and 4030 included in the electrochromic layer and the ion medium included in the ion storage layer.

The column may have an external shape extending in one direction. For example, the column may have an external shape extending from the first electrode layer to the second electrode layer, or from the second electrode layer to the first electrode layer.

The length of the column may be several tens of nm to several hundreds of nm.

The discoloration columns 3010 and 4010 may have an external shape extending in one direction. For example, the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may have an external shape extending in the thickness direction of the electrochromic layer over the entire thickness of the electrochromic layer. As another example, the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may have an external shape extending in the thickness direction of the electrochromic layer over a partial thickness of the electrochromic layer. The partial thickness may be 20% or more, 40% or more, 60% or more, or 80% or more of the total thickness.

The color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may have an external shape extending from one surface of the electrochromic layer. For example, the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may have an external shape extending from an interface between the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer. As another example, the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may have an external shape extending from an interface between the electrochromic layer and the first electrode layer or the second electrode layer. The color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 extending from one surface of the electrochromic layer may be 50% or more of the total color-changing columns.

Since the contents of the discoloration column may also be applied to the ion column, a redundant description will be omitted.

The plurality of columns may be spaced apart from or in contact with each other.

The color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may be formed to be spaced apart from other color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 or ion columns. The ion column may be formed to be spaced apart from other ion columns or color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 .

The color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may be formed in contact with other color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 . The ion column may be formed in contact with another ion column.

The density of the column may be different for each region of the electrochromic element. The density of the column may refer to the number of the columns per unit length, unit area, or unit volume.

The density of the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may be different for each region of the electrochromic layer. For example, the density of the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 in the surface region of the electrochromic layer may be higher than the density in the central region. As another example, the density of the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 in one surface area of the electrochromic layer may be higher than that in the other surface area. The high-density surface area of the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may be a surface area farther from the substrate among the two surface areas. The dense surface area of the discoloration columns 3010 and 4010 may be a later formed surface area among the two surface areas.

Since the density of the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may also be applied to the density of the ion column, a redundant description will be omitted.

The density of the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may be different from the density of the ion column. For example, the density of the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 may be higher than that of the ion column.

The electrochromic element may include only one of the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 and the ion column.

The medium may have a spherical shape or a similar external shape.

The size of the medium may be several nm to several tens of nm.

The plurality of mediums may be spaced apart from or in contact with each other.

The discoloration mediums 4020 and 4030 may be formed to be spaced apart from other discoloration mediums 4020 and 4030 or the ion medium. The ion medium may be formed to be spaced apart from other ion mediums or discoloration mediums 4020 and 4030.

The discoloration mediums 4020 and 4030 may be formed in contact with other discoloration mediums 4020 and 4030 . The ion medium may be formed by contacting another ion medium.

The medium and the column may be spaced apart from or in contact with each other.

The color-changing mediums 4020 and 4030 may be formed to be spaced apart from the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 or the ion column. The ion medium may be formed to be spaced apart from the ion column or the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 .

The color-changing mediums 4020 and 4030 may be formed in contact with the color-changing columns 3010 and 4010 . The ion medium may be formed in contact with the ion column.

The density of the medium may be different for each region of the electrochromic element. The density of the medium may mean the number of the medium per unit length, unit area, or unit volume.

The density of the discoloration medium 4020 and 4030 may be different for each area of the electrochromic layer. For example, the density of the color-changing mediums 4020 and 4030 in the surface region of the electrochromic layer may be higher than the density in the central region. The surface area may be an area located at a depth of 5% or less, 10% or less, or 20% or less from the surface of the electrochromic layer. As another example, the density of the color-changing mediums 4020 and 4030 in one surface area of the electrochromic layer may be higher than that in the other surface area. The high density surface area of the discoloration mediums 4020 and 4030 may be a surface area farther from the substrate among the two surface areas. The high-density surface area of the discoloration medium 4020 and 4030 may be a surface area formed later among the two surface areas.

Since the density of the discoloration medium 4020 and 4030 may be applied from the density of the ion medium, the overlapping description will be omitted.

The density of the discoloration medium 4020 and 4030 may be different from the density of the ion medium. For example, the density of the discoloration medium 4020 and 4030 may be higher than that of the ion medium.

The electrochromic element may include only one of the color-changing mediums 4020 and 4030 and the ion medium.

The physical structure may be formed in a region having a high porosity of the electrochromic element. Alternatively, the physical structure may be formed more as the porosity of the electrochromic element increases.

The physical structure may be formed in a region having a high oxygen content of the electrochromic element. Alternatively, the physical structure may be formed more as the oxygen content of the electrochromic element increases. When the oxygen content of the electrochromic element is high, porosity increases, so that a high oxygen content may correspond to a high porosity.

Meanwhile, in the interfacial region, lattice mismatch between adjacent layers may occur, and accordingly, the porosity may increase, so that a large number of the physical structures may be formed.

In some embodiments, the electrochromic device may further include additional layers 3500 and 4500 formed between the substrate and the first electrode layer. The additional layers 3500 and 4500 may improve bonding strength between the substrate and the first electrode layer. The additional layers 3500 and 4500 may include at least one of silicon oxide (eg, SiO ₂ , Si ₂ O ₃ ) and aluminum oxide (eg, Al ₂ O ₃ ). The additional layers 3500 and 4500 may be formed through a deposition process such as sputtering or ALD.

In some embodiments, the electrochromic device may further include a protective layer 3600 formed on the second electrode layer. The protective layer 3600 may prevent the ions included in the electrochromic element from being separated. The protective layer 3600 may include at least one of silicon oxide (eg, SiO ₂ , Si ₂ O ₃ ) and aluminum oxide (eg, Al ₂ O ₃ ). The protective layer 3600 may be formed through a deposition process such as sputtering or ALD.

In the above, the configuration and features of the present invention have been described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is evident that such changes or modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

1: Electrochromic device
2: External power
1000: control module
1100: control unit
1200: power conversion unit
1300: output unit
1400: storage
2000, 3000, 4000: electrochromic element
2100, 3100, 4100: substrate
2200, 3200, 4200: first electrode layer
2310, 3310, 4310: ion storage layer
2320, 3320, 4320: electrolyte layer
2330, 3330, 4330: electrochromic layer
2400, 3400, 4400: second electrode layer
3010, 4010: discoloration column
3500, 4500: additional floor
3600: protective layer
4020, 4030: discoloration medium

Claims (18)

Board;
a first electrode layer on the substrate;
an electrochromic stack on the first electrode layer; and
a second electrode layer on the electrochromic stack;
The electrochromic stack includes an electrochromic layer, an ion storage layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer,
The electrochromic layer includes tungsten oxide,
The first atomic percentage of tungsten at a first point of the electrochromic layer located at a first distance from the substrate is a second at a second point of the electrochromic layer located at a second distance greater than the first distance from the substrate. greater than a predetermined value greater than the tungsten atomic percentage
electrochromic device.
According to claim 1,
The ion storage layer includes a metal oxide,
a first atomic percent of the metal at a third point of the ion storage layer located at a third distance from the substrate and at a fourth point of the ion storage layer located at a fourth distance greater than the third distance from the substrate the difference between the second atomic percentages of the metal is less than the predetermined value
electrochromic device.
3. The method of claim 2,
The metal oxide is characterized in that the color is discolored due to the application of power
electrochromic device.
According to claim 1,
The tungsten atomic percentage in the region between the first point and the second point has a value between the first tungsten atomic percentage and the second tungsten atomic percentage
electrochromic device.
According to claim 1,
The tungsten atomic percentage from the first point to the second point decreases from the first tungsten atomic percentage to the second tungsten atomic percentage
electrochromic device.
According to claim 1,
The ion storage layer includes a first metal oxide and a second metal oxide,
The difference between the atomic percentage of the first metal and the atomic percentage of the second metal in a region adjacent to the electrolyte layer among both surface regions of the ion storage layer is greater than the difference in the remaining region of the both surface regions
electrochromic device.
According to claim 1,
The electrochromic layer includes a physical structure including at least one of a color-changing column and a color-changing medium.
electrochromic device.
8. The method of claim 7,
the density of the physical structures at the second point is greater than the density of the physical structures at the first point
electrochromic device.
8. The method of claim 7,
The discoloration column is formed in the direction of the first electrode layer from the second point.
electrochromic device.
Board;
a first electrode layer on the substrate;
an electrochromic stack on the first electrode layer; and
a second electrode layer on the electrochromic stack;
The electrochromic stack includes an electrochromic layer, an ion storage layer, and an electrolyte layer disposed between the electrochromic layer and the ion storage layer,
The electrochromic layer includes tungsten oxide,
A first oxygen atomic percentage at a first point of the electrochromic layer located at a first distance from the substrate is a second at a second point of the electrochromic layer located at a second distance greater than the first distance from the substrate. less than a predetermined value less than the atomic percentage of oxygen
electrochromic device.
11. The method of claim 10,
Further comprising a first interface region formed between the electrochromic layer and the electrolyte layer,
In the electrochromic layer, the first interface region, and the electrolyte layer, the peak value of the oxygen atom percentage is located in the first interface region.
electrochromic device.
11. The method of claim 10,
Further comprising a second interface region formed between the electrolyte layer and the ion storage layer,
The peak value of the oxygen atom percentage in the electrolyte layer, the second interface region and the ion storage layer is located in the second interface region
electrochromic device.
11. The method of claim 10,
The ion storage layer includes a metal oxide,
a third oxygen atomic percentage at a third point of the ion storage layer located at a third distance from the substrate and a fourth at a fourth point of the ion storage layer at a fourth distance greater than the third distance from the substrate The difference between the oxygen atomic percentages is less than the predetermined value.
electrochromic device.
11. The method of claim 10,
The oxygen atom percentage in the region between the first point and the second point has a value between the first oxygen atom percentage and the second oxygen atom percentage
electrochromic device.
11. The method of claim 10,
The oxygen atom percentage from the first point to the second point increases from the first oxygen atom percentage to the second oxygen atom percentage
electrochromic device.
11. The method of claim 10,
The electrochromic layer includes a physical structure including at least one of a color-changing column and a color-changing medium.
electrochromic device.
17. The method of claim 16,
the density of the physical structures at the second point is greater than the density of the physical structures at the first point
electrochromic device.
17. The method of claim 16,
The discoloration column is formed in the direction of the first electrode layer from the second point.
electrochromic device.

Images