Composition and Method for Forming an Electrochromic Layer

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This invention provides a composition and method for forming an electrochromic layer, which is a material that can change its color or opacity when an electric voltage is applied. The composition uses colloidal nanoparticles of an electrochromic material (such as tungsten oxide), stabilized with specific organic surface ligands and combined with a photoacid or its decomposition products. These photoacid components are adsorbed on the nanoparticle surfaces, enabling controlled and efficient proton delivery upon light irradiation, which improves the switching characteristics of the final electrochromic devices. The process allows the material to be solution-processed and applied to a variety of substrates using simple coating or printing techniques.

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• Smart windows that can adjust their tint or color in response to external controls for energy savings in buildings and vehicles.
• Electrochromic displays for low-power electronic screens and signage.
• Automotive rearview mirrors that dim automatically to reduce glare.
• Wearable devices with dynamically tunable color-changing elements.
• Privacy glass for offices or homes that can switch between transparent and opaque states.
• Flexible and printable electronics where patterned electrochromic films are needed.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables fast and uniform color or opacity switching in electrochromic devices.
• Allows low-temperature, solution-based processing (such as coating or printing) for scalable and cost-effective manufacturing.
• Avoids destructive or high-energy processing methods, preventing damage to sensitive materials or substrates.
• Improves nanoparticle stability and distribution, resulting in homogeneous electrochromic films.
• Delivers protons efficiently during device operation via photoacid activation, lowering the energy needed for switching.
• Supports versatile application onto a wide range of flexible or rigid substrates, including glass, plastic, and even paper.
• Simplifies device structure by eliminating complicated ligand removal steps or harsh chemical treatments.

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Patent Abstract

The invention concerns a composition for forming an electrochromic layer which composition comprises or consists of the following components:Nanoparticles of electrochromic material, a solvent, a surface ligand adsorbed on the surfaces of the nanoparticles andeithera photoacid, wherein the photoacid is also adsorbed on the surfaces of the nanoparticles,ordecomposition products resulting from decomposition of a photoacid by irradiation, wherein the decomposition products are also adsorbed on the surfaces of the nanoparticles,wherein the nanoparticles in the composition are colloidal nanoparticles uniformly distributed within the solvent.