Patent ID: 11866647

Abstract:
Inorganic electrochromic materials and methods of manufacturing utilize a reactive PDC magnetron, where co-sputtering synthesis of electrochromic materials are performed: (1) directly from carbide targets; (2) from relevant transition metals and graphite target, as well as non-metal elements such as Si, Ge, P, B, etc.; (3) directly from composite targets (fine powder mixture of transition metals, non-metal elements and graphite powder). Sputtering may be performed instantly from 1 to 4 targets. For co-sputtering, a combination of gas mixtures may be used: Ar/O2/N2, Ar/H2/N2/O2, Ar/NH3/O2, Ar/CO/N2/O2, Ar/CO/H2/N2/O2, Ar/CH4/N2/O2 and Ar/NH3/CO/N2/O2. This allows obtaining electrochromic materials with increased electronic and ionic conductivity, higher coloration and good cycling (lifetime). Moreover, different tints of blue as well as gray, black and brown colors neutral to the eye may be obtained. Sputtered electrochromic films were additionally improved by “thermo-splitting” pre-intercalated thin films. This allows achieving higher coloring and bleaching speed and better lifetime.