Leland Stanford Junior University

University of Colorado

Michael T Strand

Christopher Jeffrey Barile

Tyler S Hernandez

Michael D Mcgehee

Andrew L Yeang

Michael David McGehee

Daniel J Slotcavage

Dynamic windows with adjustable tint give users greater control over flow of light and heat. Reversible metal electrodeposition dynamic windows include (i) a transparent or translucent conductive electrode; (ii) an electrolyte solution in contact with the electrode, the electrolyte solution comprising metal cations that are reversibly electrodeposited onto the transparent electrode upon application of a cathodic potential; and (iii) a counter electrode. The electrolyte solution advantageously includes a small amount of an additive (e.g., an inhibitor, an accelerator, a leveler, or an organic or inorganic molecule that similarly serves to enhance the surface morphology of the metal cations during reversible metal electrodeposition onto the transparent electrode). Such enhancement of surface morphology during the reversible electrodeposition of the metal tinting layer over the electrode enhances one or more of color neutrality, transmittance characteristics of visible wavelengths (e.g., ability to achieve a near 0% transmission privacy state), infrared reflectance, or switching speed.

Electrolyte and additive for controlling morphology and optics of reversible metal films

Electrolyte additive for controlling morphology and optics of reversible metal films

The present disclosure enables high contrast, fast, uniform, and color-neutral dynamic-glass elements based on uniform and reversible electrodeposition of metals a surface of the element. Elements in accordance with the present disclosure include a surface-modified transparent-conductor-based window electrode, wherein the surface modification of the window electrode includes a nucleation layer that is anchored to the transparent conductor via a non-metallic adhesion layer. In some embodiments, a plurality of traces is disposed on and electrically connected to the window electrode to reduce the voltage drop across the total area of the element, where the traces have a core made of a low-resistivity material.

Dynamic glass and method of formation

Growing community of inventors

Boulder, CO, United States of America

Michael T Strand