ELECTROCHROMIC LIGHT MODULATING DEVICES HAVING A PALLADIUM COUNTER ELECTRODE

• US 3,843,232 A
• Filed: 02/16/1973
• Issued: 10/22/1974
• Est. Priority Date: 02/16/1973
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Donald Joseph Berets
• Original Assignee: Donald Joseph Berets
• Inventors: Berets, Donald Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): McGraw, Vincent P.
• Application Number:
  US05/333,254
• Time in Patent Office: 613 Days
• Field of Search: 350/16R
• US Class Current: 359/275
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1524 Transition metal compounds

Abstract

Electro-optical device useful in control of visible and infrared absorption by windows in homes, commercial buildings and the like, and for information display typically comprising in sandwiched arrangement a pair of electrodes, and a film of a transition metal compound and a liquid electrolyte disposed between the electrodes is provided, wherein the counter-electrode is palladium. The device exhibits coloration and bleaching thereof over large areas by control of the polarity of an applied electric field.

Claims

1. A VARIABLE LIGHT TRANSMISSION DEVICE WHICH COMPRISES IN COMBINATION AN ELECTRODE, A PERSISTENT ELECTROCHROMIC MATERIAL, AND A PALLADIUM COUNTER-ELECTRODE CAPABLE OF SORBING AND DESORBING HYDROGEN.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the electrochromic material contains at least one element of variable oxidation state.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said persistent electrochromic material is tungsten oxide.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said device contains an ion conductive medium between said electrochromic layer and said counter-electrode.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the ion conductive medium is a strong sulfuric acid solution.

6. The device of claim 4 wherein the ion conductive medium is in coextensive contact with the electrochromic material.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the electrodes is substantially transparent.

8. A device as in claim 7 wherein said counter electrode is positioned so that light may pass through at least part of said transparent electrode.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said device has an insulating layer between said electrochromic layer and said counter-electrode.