Ageing of an electrochromic device, especially of the electrolytic layer

在本研究项目中，应研究基于聚合物的显色体系的老化行为。显色系统(CS)是指能够通过外部刺激，如光、电压、温度或压力来改变其颜色或透明度的材料或多层系统。一组特殊的CS是电致变色器件(ECD)，当施加电压时，它们的光学性质会改变。潜在的应用随处可见，其中应主动切换面板或显示。目前只有很少的系统在使用。目前从应用或文献中已知的所有系统都显示出关于其老化行为的弱点。所谓电池类型的设计由两个聚合物基板半部分组成，两者都带有电极层和额外的反电极或工作电极。这些薄片由离子导电但电绝缘的电解液粘合在一起。在这种情况下，适当的改性PU起到电解液的作用，并将两个基材半层压在一起。如申请人的前期工作所示，与液体或凝胶状电解质相比，固化PU系统在诸如反注模塑或热成型的进一步加工过程中在耐热性和尺寸稳定性方面具有优势。此外，最初的研究表明，由于与ECD其他层的相互作用较少，因此具有更好的耐老化性。正因为如此，在这个项目中，应该研究这种特别是适合塑料加工的ECD类型的老化问题。研究工作包括广泛的实验活动，这些活动将通过统计模型描述的方式进行分析和具体化。

In this research project the ageing behaviour of chromogenic systems basing on polymers shall be investigated. Chromogenic systems (CS) are materials or multilayer systems able to change their colour or transparency by an outer stimulus, like light, voltage, temperature or pressure. A special group of CS are electrochromic devices (ECD), changing their optical properties when voltage is applied. Potential applications can be found everywhere, where panes or displays shall be actively switched. Only few systems are in use at present. All systems that are currently known from application or literature show weaknesses concerning their ageing behaviour.The design of the so-called battery type consists of two polymer substrate halves, both with an electrode layer and an additional counter or working electrode. These sheets are bonded by an ionic conducting, but electrically insulating electrolyte. In this case an appropriate modified PU functions as the electrolyte and laminates the two substrate halves. Compared to liquid or gel-like electrolytes, the curing PU system is advantageous regarding thermal resistance and dimensional stability during further processing like back-injection moulding or thermoforming, as shown in preliminary work of the applicant. Additionally, first investigations showed a much better ageing resistance, also due to fewer interactions with the other layers of the ECD. Because of this, in this project the ageing of this especially for plastic processing suitable ECD type shall be investigated. The research work includes extensive experimental activity, which will be analysed and rendered tangible by means of description with statistic models.