Electrochromic layer and devices comprising same
First Claim
1. A variable transmittance electrochromic window comprising:
- first and second transparent substrates each having outer surfaces and opposed inner surfaces;
first and second transparent electrodes disposed on the inner surface of at least one of said first and second transparent substrates;
a seal disposed between said first and second transparent substrates to define a sealed chamber therebetween; and
an electrochromic layer of reversibly variable transmittance to light disposed in said chamber, said electrochromic layer comprising a solvent, at least one solution based electrochromic material in solution in said solvent, and a cross-linked polymer matrix that results from cross-linking polymer chains, where said polymer chains are formed prior to cross-linking, and said electrochromic material is interspersed in said polymer matrix.
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Abstract
The present invention provides improved electrochromic layers, which comprise polymeric matrices with electrochromic solutions interspersed therein. Varying an electrical potential difference across a layer of the invention results in reversible variation in the transmittance of light across the layer because of electrochemical processes in the electrochromic solution of the layer. The invention further provides electrochromic devices, in which the electrochromic layers of the invention provide reversibly variable transmittance to light, and various apparatus in which the devices of the invention provide light-filtering or light-color modulation. Such apparatus include windows, including those for use inside and on the outside walls of buildings and in sunroofs for automobiles, and variable reflectance mirrors, especially rearview mirrors for automobiles.
52 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A variable transmittance electrochromic window comprising:
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first and second transparent substrates each having outer surfaces and opposed inner surfaces;
first and second transparent electrodes disposed on the inner surface of at least one of said first and second transparent substrates;
a seal disposed between said first and second transparent substrates to define a sealed chamber therebetween; and
an electrochromic layer of reversibly variable transmittance to light disposed in said chamber, said electrochromic layer comprising a solvent, at least one solution based electrochromic material in solution in said solvent, and a cross-linked polymer matrix that results from cross-linking polymer chains, where said polymer chains are formed prior to cross-linking, and said electrochromic material is interspersed in said polymer matrix.
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2. A variable transmittance electrochromic window comprising:
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first and second transparent substrates each having outer surfaces and opposed inner surfaces;
first and second transparent electrodes disposed on the inner surface of at least one of said first and second transparent substrates;
a seal disposed between said first and second transparent substrates to define a sealed chamber therebetween; and
an electrochromic layer of reversibly variable transmittance to light disposed in said chamber, said electrochromic layer comprising;
(a) a solvent (b) a cross-linked polymer matrix; and
(c) at least one electrochromic compound in solution in said solvent and interspersed in said polymer matrix;
where said polymer matrix results from cross-linking polymer chains and where said polymer chains are formed prior to cross-linking by polymerizing at least one monomer selected from the group of compounds represented by the formula;
where R1 is selected from the group consisting of;
alkyl, cycloalkyl, poly-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, carboxyl and alkyl and alkenyl derivatives thereof;
alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkadienyl, poly-cycloalkadienyl, aryl and alkyl and alkenyl derivatives thereof, hydroxyalkyl;
hydroxyalkenyl;
alkoxyalkyl; and
alkoxyalkenyl where each of the compounds has from 1 to 20 carbon atoms;
where R2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, carboxyl, phenyl and keto where each of the compounds has from 1-8 carbon atoms, and oxygen;
where R3, R4, and R5 may be the same or different and may be selected from the group consisting of;
hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, poly-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, and alkyl and alkenyl derivatives thereof;
alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkadienyl, poly-cycloalkadienyl, aryl and alkyl and alkenyl derivatives thereof;
hydroxyalkyl;
hydroxyalkenyl;
alkoxyalkyl;
alkoxyalkenyl;
keto;
acetoacetyl;
vinyl ether and combinations thereof, where each of the compounds has from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and
where B may be selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl;
cyanato;
isocyanato;
isothiocyanato;
epoxide;
silanes;
ketenes;
acetoacetyl;
keto;
carboxylate;
imino;
amine;
aldehyde;
metal alkoxide;
thiol and vinyl ether.- View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification