Electrochromic mirror and electrochromic devices

[0004] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/115,035, filed Jul. 14, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,364, entitled Electrochromic Mirror. The entire disclosure of application Ser. No. 09/115,035, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,023,364, as filed is incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] 1. Field of the Invention

[0006] This invention relates to electrochromic devices such as mirrors, smart windows, displays and etc. and more particularly such an electrochromic mirror which can used as an antiglare mirror for an automobile or a decorative mirror for indoor use.

[0007] 2. Prior Art

[0008] In Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 63-18336, there is disclosed an electrochromic antiglare mirror comprising a chromogenic material in the form of a film obtained by sputtering or vacuum-depositing an inorganic oxide such as tungsten oxide (WO₃) over a transparent electrically conductive film.

[0009] However, the production of such an electrochromic mirror becomes costly because of the film forming operation requiring a process carried out under vacuum. A demand has therefore been placed on an electrochromic mirror which can be manufactured with an inexpensive material and by a simple and easy method.

[0010] It is an object of the present invention made to solve the aforementioned problems by using a specific electrically conductive high molecular compound as a chromogenic film.

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided an electrochromic mirror comprising a reflective electrically conductive substrate, a transparent electrically conductive substrate, a layer of an ion-conductive material disposed therebetween and at least one electrochromic chromogenic layer disposed either between the ion-conductive material layer and the reflective electrically conductive substrate or between the ion-conductive material layer and the transparent electrically conductive substrate, the electrochromic chromogenic layer containing a compound having a viologen structure represented by the formula

[0012] wherein X⁻ and Y⁻ may be the same or different and each are a counter anion selected from the group consisting of an halogen anion, ClO₄⁻, CH₃COO⁻ and CH₃(C₆H₄)SO₃⁻.

[0013] One embodiment of an electrochromic mirror according to the present invention is characterized by all components thereof being solid.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic mirror according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic mirror according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic mirror according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic mirror according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0018] In the present invention, an electrically conductive substrate used as a reflective electrically conductive substrate and a transparent electrically conductive substrate may be any types of substrates as long as they perform the function of an electrode. More specifically, the electrically conductive substrate may be that of which substrate itself is electrically conductive or that of which substrate is not electrically conductive but has the layer of an electrode disposed thereon. The electrochromic mirror according to the present invention includes a pair of such electrically conductive substrates one of which is the transparent and the other of which is reflective of light. Both these substrates may have a flat or curved surface and may be deformable under stress.

[0019] The transparent electrically conductive substrate is generally a laminate comprising a transparent substrate and a transparent electrode layer formed thereon. The reflective electrically conductive substrate may be 1) a laminate comprising a transparent or opaque substrate and a reflective electrode layer formed thereon, 2) a laminate comprising a substrate having a transparent electrode layer on one surface and a reflective electrode layer on the other surface, 3) a laminate comprising a transparent substrate having a reflective layer formed thereon and further a transparent electrode layer formed thereon and 4) a plate-like substrate which itself functions as a reflective layer and an electrode.

[0020] No particular limitations is imposed on the transparent substrate which may thus be a color or colorless glass, a reinforced glass and a resin of color or colorless transparency. Specific examples of such a resin include polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, polysulfone, polyether sulfone, polyether etherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polycarbonate, polyimide, polymethyl methacrylate and polystyrene.

[0021] The term “transparency” used herein designates optical transmission ranging from 1 to 100 percent. The substrate used for the invention has a smooth surface at normal temperature.

[0022] The device having two electrically conductive substrates both of which are transparent is suitable for a display and a smart window, while that having two electrically conductive substrates one of which is transparent and the other of which is reflective is suitable for an electrochromic mirror.

[0023] There is no particular limitation to the transparent electrode layer as long as it meets the requirements necessary for achieving the purpose of the present invention. Specific examples of the electrode layer include an electrically conductive membrane comprising a thin film of a metal such as gold, silver, chrome, copper and tungsten or a metal oxide such as ITO (In₂O₃—SnO₂), tin oxide, silver oxide, zinc oxide and vanadium oxide.

[0024] The electrode has a thickness in the range of usually 100 to 5,000, preferably 500 to 3,000 angstrom. The surface resistance of the electrode may be selected suitably depending upon the usage and applications but usually in the range of 0.5-500, preferably 1-50 Ω/cm².

[0025] No particular limitation is imposed on the formation method of the electrode layer. Any suitable conventional methods may be selected depending upon the metal and metal oxide constituting the electrode. In general, the formation of the electrode layer is carried out by vacuum evaporation, ion plating, sputtering and a sol-gel method. The thickness of the electrode layer is selected within the range such that the transparency thereof is not affected. The electrode layer may partially provided with an opaque electrode-activator for the purpose of imparting oxidation-reduction capability, electric conductivity and electric double layer capacitance, the electrode-activator being provided in an amount such that the transparency of the entire electrode layer is not harmed. Electrode activators eligible for the purpose of the invention include a metal such as copper, silver, gold, platinum, iron, tungsten, titanium and lithium, an organic material having oxidation-reduction capability such as polyaniline, polythiophen, polypyrrole and phthalocyanine, a carbon material such as active carbon and graphite and a metal oxide such as V₂O₅, WO₃, MnO₂, NiO and Ir₂O₃and mixtures thereof. These electrode activators may be integrated to the electrode with use of a variety of resins. The opaque electrode activator may be applied onto an electrode by forming on an ITO transparent electrode a composition comprising an active carbon fiber, graphite and an acrylic resin into a micro pattern in the shape of stripes or by forming on a thin-film of gold a composition comprising V₂O₅, acetylene black and butyl rubber in the shape of a mesh.

[0026] No particular limitation is imposed on the reflective electrode layer as long as it is stable electrochemically and has a specular surface. Eligible for the reflective electrode layer includes a film of a metal such as gold, platinum, tungsten, tantalum, rhenium, osmium, iridium, silver, nickel and palladium and a film of an alloy such as platinum-palladium, platinum-rhodium and stainless steel. The reflective electrode layer is necessarily disposed onto a substrate or a transparent substrate with the reflectiveness and specularity of the layer maintained. The reflective electrode layer is formed onto a substrate by any suitable conventional methods such as vacuum deposition, ion-plating and sputtering.

[0027] There is no particular limitation to a substrate on which the reflective electrode layer is disposed. The substrate may be transparent or opaque. Specific examples of the substrate include those exemplified with respect to the transparent substrate described above, a variety of plastics, resins, glasses, woods and stones.

[0028] No particular limitation is imposed on the above-mentioned reflective plate or layer as long as it has a specular surface. Silver, chrome, aluminum and stainless steel can be utilized.

[0029] The plate-like substrate having a reflective layer and functioning as an electrode includes the substrates exemplified with respect to the reflective electrode among which are self-supportive.

[0030] The ion conductive material used for the inventive electrochromic mirror is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the reflective electrically conductive substrate and the transparent electrically conductive substrate (these substrates are hereinafter referred to as counter-substrates). There is no particular limitation to a method of disposing the ion conductive material between the counter-substrates. The ion conductive material may be injected into the space provided between the substrates which are placed, facing each other and then sealed at the edges of the opposed surfaces, by vacuum injection, atmospheric injection or a meniscus method. Alternatively, the layer of the ion conductive material may be formed on the electrode layer of one of the electrically conductive substrates and then put together with the other electrically conductive substrate. Furthermore, a film-like ion conductive material is inserted between a pair of glasses to form a laminated glass.

[0031] The term “ion conductive material” designates materials which can color, bleach and discolor an electrochromic material hereinafter described. The ion conductive material has preferably an ion conductivity of more than 1×10⁻⁷S/cm at room temperature. No particular limitation is imposed on the ion conductive material, which may thus be liquid, gel or solid. Solid ion conductive materials are particularly preferred for the purpose of the invention thereby obtaining an electrochromic mirror which is overall solid.

[0032] Eligible liquid ion conductive materials are those dissolving a supporting electrolyte such as salts, acids and alkalis in a solvent. Any suitable solvents may be used as long as they can dissolve a supporting electrolyte. Preferred are those having polarity. Specific example of such solvents include water and an organic polar solvent such as methanol, ethanol, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethoxyethane, acetonitrile, r-butyrolactone, r-valerolactone, sulforan, dimethylformamide, dimethoxyedine, tetrahydrofuran, propionnitrile, glutaronitrile, adiponitrile, methoxyacetonitrile, dimethylacetoamide, methyl pyrrolidinone, dimethylsulfoxide, dioxolane, trimethylphosphate and polyethylene glycol. Preferred are propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethoxyethane, acetonitrile, r-butyrolactone, sulforan, dioxolane, dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran, adiponitrile, methoxyacetonitrile, dimethylacetoamide, methyl pyrrolidinone, dimethylsulfoxide, trimethylphosphate and polyethylene glycol. These may be used singular or in combination.

[0033] Although not restricted, salts used as a supporting electrolyte may be alkali metal salts, inorganic ion salts such as alkali earth metal salts, quaternary ammonium salts and cyclic quaternary ammonium salts. Specific examples of such salts include alkali metal salts of lithium, sodium or potassium such as LiClO₄, LiSCN, LiBF₄, LiAsF₆, LiCF₃SO₃, LiPF₆, LiI, NaI, NaSCN, NaClO₄, NaBF₄, NaAsF₆, KSCN and KCl, quaternary ammonium salts or cyclic quaternary ammonium salts such as (CH₃)₄NBF₄, (C₂H₅)₄NBF₄, (n-C₄H₉)₄NBF₄, (C₂H₅)₄NBR, (C₂H₅)₄NClO₄and (n-C₄H₉)₄NClO₄and mixtures thereof.

[0034] Acids used as a supporting electrolyte may be exemplified by inorganic acids and organic acids which include sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfonic acid carboxylic acid.

[0035] Alkalis used as a supporting electrolyte include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide.

[0036] The gelatinized-liquid ion conductive material may be those which are gelatinized or made to be viscous by adding a polymer or a gelatinizer to the above-mentioned liquid ion conductive material.

[0037] Preferred examples of such a polymer are polyacrylonitrile, carboxymethylcellulose, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene oxide, polyurethane, polyacrylate, polyamide, polyacrylamide, cellulose, polyester, polypropyleneoxide and nation.

[0038] Preferred examples of the gelatinizer are oxyethylenemethacrylate, oxyethyleneacrylate, urethaneacrylate, acrylamide and agar—agar.

[0039] There is no particular limitation to the solid ion conductive material if it is solid at room temperature and ion conductive. Preferred examples of such solid ion conductive materials are polyethyleneoxide, the polymer of oxyethylenemethacrylate, nation, polystylene sulfonate, Li₃N, Na-β-Al₂O₃and Sn(HPO₄)₂H₂O. Particularly preferred are polymer solid electrolytes derived from polymerization of a polyethyleneoxide-based compound, an oxyalkyleneacrylate-based compound or a urethaneacrylate-based compound.

[0040] A first example of such polymer solid electrolytes is one derived form the solidification of a composition (hereinafter referred to as Composition A) containing the above-described organic polar solvent and supporting electrolyte and a urethaneacrylate of the formula

[0041] wherein R¹and R²may be the same or different and each are a group of formula (III), (IV) or (V), R³and R⁴may be the same or different and each are a C₁-C₂₀, preferably C₂-C₁₂divalent hydrocarbon residue, Y is selected from a polyether unit, a polyester unit, a polycarbonate unit and the mixed unit thereof and n is an integer of 1-100, preferably 1-50, more preferably 1-20.

[0042] Formulae (III), (IV) and (V) are represented by

[0043] respectively wherein R⁵, R⁶and R⁷may be the same or different and each are a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₃alkyl group and R⁸is a C₁-C₂₀, perferably C₂-C₈organic residue of divalent through quatervalent.

[0044] Such organic residues may be a hydrocarbon residue such as alkyltolyl, alkyltetratolyl and alkylene of the formula

[0045] wherein R is a C₁-C₃alkyl group or hydrogen, p is an integer of 0-6 and if p is greater than 2 the groups of R⁹may be the same or different.

[0046] The hydrocarbon residue may be a group part of which hydrogen atoms are substituted by an oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group such as a C₁-C₆, preferably C₁-C₃alkoxy group and a C₆-C₁₂aryloxy group. Specific examples of group R₈in formulae (II) thorough (V) are those represented by the following formulae:

[0047] Each of the divalent hydrocarbon residues represented by R³and R⁴in formula (II) is exemplified by a divalent chain-like hydrocarbon group, an aromatic hydrocarbon group and an alicyclic-containing hydrocarbon group. Specific examples of the chain-like divalent hydrocarbon group are those represented by formula (VI).

[0048] Specific examples of the aromatic hydrocarbon group and alicyclic-containing hydrocarbon group are those represented by the following formulae:

[0049] wherein R¹⁰and R¹¹may be the same or different and each are a phenylene group, a phenylene group having an alkyl substituent, a cycloalyene group and a cycloalkylene group having an alkyl substituent, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴and R¹⁵may be the same or different and each are a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₃alkyl group and q is an integer of between 1 and 5.

[0050] Specific examples of the groups R³and R⁴in formula (II) are those represented by the following formulae:

[0051] —CH₂C₂CH₂C₂CH₂CH₂—  (X)

[0052]

[0053] In formula (II), Y indicates a polyether unit, a polyester unit, a polycarbonate unit and mixed unit thereof. Each of these units is represented by the following formulae:

[0054] wherein R¹⁶through R²¹may be the same or different and each are a C₁-C₂₀, preferably C₂-C₁₂divalent hydrocarbon residue, C₁-C₆being particularly preferred for R²¹, m is an integer of 2-300, preferably 10-200, r is an integer of 1-300, preferably 2-200, s is an integer of 1-200, preferably 2-100, t is an integer of 1-200, preferably 2-100 and u is an integer of 1-300, preferably 10-200.

[0055] R¹⁶through R²¹are preferably straight or branched alkylene groups among which methylene, ethylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene, hexamethylene and propylene groups are preferred for R¹⁸, and ethylene and propylene groups are preferred for R¹⁶, R¹⁷and R¹⁹through R²¹.

[0056] Each unit represented by formulae (a) through (d) may be a copolymer of the same or different units. In other words, if there exist a plurality of the groups of each R¹⁶through R²¹, the groups of each R¹⁶, R¹⁷, R¹⁸, R¹⁹, R²⁰and R²¹may be the same or different Preferred examples of such copolymers include a copolymer of ethylene oxide and a copolymer of propylene oxide.

[0057] The urethaneacrylate of formula (II) has a molecular weight in the range of 2,500-30,000, preferably 3,000-20,000.

[0058] The urethaneacrylate has preferably 2-6, more preferably 2-4 functional groups per molecule.

[0059] The urethaneacrylate may be prepared by any suitable conventional methods.

[0060] The organic polar solvent is added in an amount of 100-200, preferably 200-900 weight parts per 100 parts of the urethaneacrylate. Too less amount of adding the organic polar solvent results in insufficient ion conductivity, while too much amount causes a reduction in mechanical strength.

[0061] No particular limitation is imposed on the supporting electrolyte as long as it is not obstructive in achievement of the purpose of the invention. Preferred are those already exemplified above. The supporting electrolyte should be added in an amount of 0.1-30, preferably 1-20 weight percent of the organic polar solvent.

[0062] Composition (A) is essentially obtained by solidifying the urethaneacrylate, the organic nonaqueous solvent and the supporting electrolyte. If necessary, Composition (A) may be added with any suitable components as long as they are not obstructive to the achievement of the purpose of the invention. Such components may be crosslinkers and polymerization initiators.

[0063] The solid polymeric electrolyte of the first example may be inserted between the electrically conductive substrates disposed, facing each other by injecting Composition (A) into a selected space between the substrates in a conventional manner and curing the same. The term “curing” used herein designates a state where polymerizing or crosslinking component is cured with the progress of polymerization (polycondensation) or crosslinking and thus the composition does not flow at room temperature. The composition thus cured has the basic structure in the form of network.

[0064] A second example of the polymeric solid electrolyte is obtained by solidifying Composition (13) comprising an organic polar solvent, a supporting electrolyte, a poly-functional acryloyl-modified polyalkylene oxide and a mono-poly-functional acryloyl-modified polyalkylene oxide represented by the formula

[0065] wherein R²², R²³, R²⁴and R²⁵may be the same or different and each are hydrogen and an allyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms and n is an integer of greater than 1.

[0066] Specific examples of such alkyl group include methyl, ethyl, i-propyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl and n-pentyl. Preferred for R²², R²³and R²⁴are hydrogen and a methyl group. Preferred for R²⁵are hydrogen, a methyl and ethyl group.

[0067] n in formula (XVII) is an integer of greater than 1, usually between 1 and 100, preferably 2 and 50, more preferably 2 and 30.

[0068] Specific examples of compounds represented by formula (XVII) are those having 1-100, preferably 2-50, more preferably 1-20 oxyalkylene units, such as methoxypolyethylene glycol methacrylate, methoxypolypropylene glycol methacrylate, ethoxypolyethylene glycol metharylate, ethoxypolypropylene glycol methacrylate, methoxypolyethylene glycol acrylate, methoxypolypropylene glycol acrylate, ethoxypolyethylene glycol acrylate, ethoxypolypropylene glycol acrylate and mixtures thereof.

[0069] If n is greater than 2, the compound may be those having different oxyalkylene units, that is, copolymerized oxyalkylene units which for instance have 1-50, preferably 1-20 oxyethylene units and 1-50, preferably 1-20 oxypropylene units. Specific examples of such compounds are (ethylene•propylene) glycol methacrylate, ethoxypoly (ethylene•propylene) glycol methacrylate, methoxypoly (ethylene propylene) glycol methacrylate, methoxypoly (ethylene•propylene) glycol acrylate, ethoxypoly methoxypoly (ethylene•propylene) glycol acrylate and mixtures thereof.

[0070] The polyfunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkylene oxide may be a bifunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkylene oxide represented by the formula

[0071] wherein R²⁶, R²⁷, R²⁸and R²⁹each are hydrogen and a C₁-C₅alkyl group and m is an integer of greater than 1; or a polyfunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkylene oxide having more than three functional groups represented by the formula

[0072] wherein R³⁰, R³¹and R³²each are hydrogen and a C₁-C₅alkyl group, p is an integer of greater than 1, q is an integer of 2-4 and L is a connecting group of valence indicated by q.

[0073] Preferred alkyl groups for R²⁶, R²⁷, R²⁸and R²⁹are methyl, ethyl, i-propyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl, t-butyl and n-pentyl among which hydrogen and methyl are particularly preferred. m in formula (XVIII) is an integer of greater than 1, usually 1-100, preferably 2-50, more preferably 2-30. Preferred examples of compounds of formula (XVIII) are those having 1-100, preferably 2-50, more preferably 1-20 oxyalkylene units such as polyethylene glycol diacrylate, polypropylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethylene glycol diacrylate, polypropylene glycol dimethacrylate and mixtures thereof.

[0074] If m is greater than 2, the compounds of formula (XVIII) may be those having different oxyalkylene units, that is, polymerized oxyalkylene unit having 1-50, preferably 1-20 oxyethylene units and 1-50, preferably 1-20 oxypropylene units, such as poly(ethylene•propylene)glycol dimethacrylate, poly(ethylene•propylene)glycol diacrylate and mixtures thereof.

[0075] Preferred alkyl groups for R³⁰, R³¹and R³²are methyl, ethyl, i-propyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, t-butyl and n-pentyl. Particularly preferred are hydrogen and a methyl group.

[0076] p is an integer of greater than 1, usually between 1 and 100, preferably 2 and 50, more preferably 2 and 30.

[0077] q is a number of connecting group “L” and an integer of between 2 and 4.

[0078] Connecting group “L” is a divalent, trivalent or quatravalent hydrocarbon group having 1-30, preferably 1-20 carbon atoms.

[0079] Such divalent hydrocarbon groups may be alkylene, arylene, arylalkylene, alkyaylene and hydrocarbon groups having those groups as the base skeleton. Specific examples of such hydrocarbon groups are those represented by the following formulae:

[0080] —CH₂—

[0081] —CH₂CH₂—

[0082] and

[0083] Such trivalent hydrocarbons groups may be alkyltryl, aryltryl, arylalkyltryl, alkylaryltryl and hydrocarbon groups having those groups as the base skeleton. Specific examples of such hydrocarbon groups are those represented by the following formulae:

[0084] Specific examples of compounds of formula Q(IX) are those having 1-100, preferably 2-50, more preferably 1-20 of an oxyalkylene units such as trimethylolpropanetri(polyethylene glycol acrylate), trimethylolpropanetri(polyethylene glycol methacrylate), trimethylolpropanetri(polypropylene glycol acrylate), trimethylokropanetri(polypropylene glycol methacrylate), tetramethylolmethanetetra(polyethylene glycol acrylate), tetramethylolmethanetetrapolyethylene glycol methacrylate), tetramethylolmethanetetra(polypropylene glycol acrylate), tetramethylolmethanetetra(polypropylene glycol methacrylate), 2,2-bis[4-(acryloxypolyethoxy)phenyl]propane, 2,2-bis[4-(methacryloxypolyethoxy)phenyl]propane, 2,2-bis[4-(acryloxypolyisopropoxy)phenyl]propane, 2,2-bis[4-(methacryloxypolyisopropoxy)phenyl]propane and mixtures thereof.

[0085] If p is more than 2, compounds of formula may be those having different oxyalkylene units, that is, polymerized oxyalkylene units having 1-50, preferably 1-20 of oxyethylene units and 1-50, preferably 1-20 oxypropylene units. Specific examples of such compounds include trimethylolpropanetri(poly(ethylene propylene)glycol acrylate), trimethylolpropanetri(poly(ethylene propylene) glycol methacrylate), tetramethylolmethnetetrapoly(ethylene propylene) glycol acrylate), tetramethylolmethanetetrply(ethylene propylene) glycol acrylate) and mixtures thereof.

[0086] Needless to mention, there may be used the difunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkyleneoxide of formula (XVIII) and the polyfunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkyleneoxide of formula (XIX) in combination. When these compounds are used in combination, the weight ratio of the compound of formula (XVIII) to that of formula (XIX) is in the range between 0.01/99.9 and 99.9/0.01, preferably 1/99 and 99/1, more preferably 20/80 and 80/20. The weight ratio of the compound of formula (XVII) to the polyfunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkyleneoxide is in the range of usually between 1/0.001 and 1/1, preferably 1/0.05 and 110.5.

[0087] The above-described organic polar solvent should be added in an amount of 50-800, preferably 100-500 weight percent based on the total weight of the compound of formula (XVII) and the polyfunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkyleneoxide.

[0088] The above-described supporting electrolyte should be added in an amount of 1-30, preferably 3-20 weight percent based on the total weight of the compound of formula (XVII), the polyfunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkyleneoxide and the organic polar solvent.

[0089] If necessary, Composition (B) may be added with another components optionally as long as they do not give adverse effect on the inventive electrochromic mirror. Although not restricted, such components may be photopolymerization initiators or thermal polymerization initiators. These initiators should be added in an amount of 0.05-5, preferably 0.01-3 weight percent based on the total weight of the compound of formula (XVII) and the polyfunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkylene oxide.

[0090] The polymeric solid electrolyte described above as a second example may be inserted between electrically conductive substrates facing each other by injecting Composition (B) into a selected site therebetween by any suitable method. The “curing” used herein designates a state where a polymerizable or crosslinkable component such as monofunctional or polyfunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkyleneoxide is cured with the progress of polymerization or crosslinking and hence the composition entirely stays unfluidized. In this case, the monofunctional or polyfunctional acryloyl-modified polyalkyleneoxide has the basic structure in the form of networks.

[0091] Needless to mention, ion conductive materials other than the above exemplified are also eligible.

[0092] Description will now be made in detail of a compound used as the electrochromic chromogenic layer of the electrochromic mirror according to the invention which compound has a viologen structure represented by the formula

[0093] wherein X⁻ and Y⁻ indicate counter anions and may be the same or different and selected from the group consisting of a halogen anion, ClO₄—, CH₃COO⁻ and CH₃(C₆H₄)SO₃⁻. The halogen anion may be F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻ and I⁻.

[0094] No limitation is imposed on the viologen structure-containing compound as long as it possesses electrochromic properties. Such compounds are exemplified by high molecular compounds having the viologen structural unit or units containing the viologen structure as repeating units, a high molecular weight substituent at the terminal end of the viologen structure or molecular chains part of which is substituted with a group having the viologen structure; and low molecular compounds having the viologen structure. The compound having the viologen structure-repeating units may be that having the viologen structure in the side chain or in the main chain. There is no limitation to repeating units in the main chain of such a compound having the viologen structure in the side chain. Such repeating units may be hydrocarbon units, oxygen-containing units, nitrogen-containing units, polysiloxane units and copolymerized units thereof.

[0095] The compound having the viologen structure may be a polymer or copolymer represented by the formula

[0096] wherein m is an integer of more than 1, preferably between 1 and 1,000, preferably between 2 and 100, n is an integer of more than 0, preferably between 0 and 1,000, and more preferably between 2 and 100, R³³is a C₁-C₂₀, preferably C₁-C₁₂divalent hydrocarbon residue or merely indicates the bond of the viologen group directly to a polymer chain not through the hydrocarbon residue, namely covalently bond, R³⁴, R³⁵and R³⁶each are a C₁-C₂₀, preferably C₁-C₁₂hydrocarbon group and a hetero atom-containing substituent and a halogen atom and X and Y indicate counter anions with respect to viologen and may be same or different

[0097] The divalent hydrocarbon may be a hydrocarbon group and an oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group. Specific examples of the hydrocarbon group include an aliphatic hydrocarbon group such as methylene, ethylene, propylene, tetramethylene, pentamethylene and hexamethylene and an aromatic hydrocarbon such as phenylene, biphenylene and benzylidene. Specific examples of the oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group include an aliphatic alkoxylene group such as —C₂—, —OCH₂CH₂— and —OCH₂CH₂CH₂—, an aliphatic dialkoxylene group such as —OCH₂CH₂— and —OCH₂CH₂CH₂O—, an aromatic aryloxy group such as —O(C₆H₄)— and OCH₂(C₆H₄)— and an aromatic diaryloxy group such as —O(C₆H₄)O and —OCH₂(C₆H₄)O—.

[0098] Specific examples of X⁻ and Y⁻ include a halogen anion such as F⁻, Br⁻ and I⁻, ClO₄⁻, CH₃COO⁻ and CH₃(C₆H₄)SO₃⁻.

[0099] Preferred hydrocarbon groups for R³⁴, R³⁵and R³⁶are an alkyl group such as methyl, ethyl, propyl and hexyl and an aryl group such as phenyl, tryl, benzyl and naphtyl. Preferred hetero atom-containing substituents are a C₁-C₂₀preferably C₁-C₁₂oxygen-containing hydrocarbon group, amide, amino and cyano groups. Such oxygen-containing hydrocarbon groups include an alkoxyl group such as methoxy and ethoxy an aryloxy group such as phenoxy and triloxy, a carboxyl group and a residual carboxylic acid ester.

[0100] In the case where the compound of formula (XX) is a copolymer, it may have the repeating units the mode of which polymerization is block-, random- or alternate.

[0101] The compound having the viologen structure may also be a polymer or copolymer represented by the formula

[0102] wherein m, n and X⁻ and Y⁻ are the same as defined in formula (XX), n being 37 preferably 0, R³⁷and R³⁹may be the same or different and each are the same as those as defined with respect to R³³in formula (XX) and R³⁸and R⁴⁰may be the same or different and each are the same as those as defined with respect to R in formula

[0103] In the case of the compound of formula (XXI) is a copolymer, it may have the repeating units the mode of which polymerization is block, random or alternate.

[0104] Moreover, the compound having the viologen structure may also be a polymer or copolymer represented by the formula

[0105] wherein m, n and X⁻ and Y⁻ are the same as defined in formula (XX), n being preferably 0, R⁴¹is the same as those as defined with respect to R³³in formula (XX) and R⁴², R⁴³and R⁴⁴may be the same or different and each are the same as those as defined with respect to R³⁴in formula (XX).

[0106] In the case of the compound of formula (XXII) is a copolymer, it may have the repeating units the mode of which polymerization is block, random or alternate.

[0107] Furthermore, the compound having the viologen structure may be a copolymer represented by the formula

[0108] wherein p is an integer of more than 0, preferably between 0 and 20, q is an integer of 0-1,000 and R⁴⁵is the same as those as defined with respect to R³³in formula (XX).

[0109] Further, alternatively, the compound having the viologen structure may also be a polymer or copolymer of the formula.

[0110] wherein r is an integer of more than 1, preferably between 1 and 1,000, R⁴⁶is the same as those as defined with respect to R³³in formula (XX) and R⁴⁷is the same as those as defined with respect to R³³in formula (XX).

[0111] The typical examples of the compound having viologen structure used for the present invention has been exemplified by the compounds of formulae (XX) through (XIV). The specific examples of compounds which are included within the range of these formulae and which are not but eligible for the invention are given below.

[0112] The electrochromic chromogenic layer used for the present invention essentially contains the compound having a viologen structure represented by formula (1), but is usually formed from this compound only. The electrochromic chromogenic layer can be obtained by forming the membrane or film of the compound onto the above-described electrically conductive substrate. Although no particular limitation is imposed on the method for the formation of such a membrane or film, the membrane or 3film may be formed by drying the solution which has been obtained by dissolving the chromogenic compound in a solvent and coated onto the electrically conductive substrate or by cooling the chromogenic compound which has been melted on heating and casted over the substrate, the former being particularly preferred.

[0113] The solvent used for the former method may be any types of solvents as long as they can dissolve the chromogenic compound and evaporate after being coated. Specific examples of the solvent include dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, N-methyl pyrrolidone, γ-valerolactone, dimethoxyethane, acetnitrile, propionnitrile, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, methanol, ethanol, propanol, chloroform, toluene, benzene, nitrobenzene and dioxolane.

[0114] There may be employed any suitable coating method such as cast coating, spin coating, dip coating, spray coating, blade coating and flow coating.

[0115] The electrochromic chromogenic layer thus formed is easily colored and bleached by oxidation-reduction reaction caused by applying an electrical voltage.

[0116] The electrochromic chromogenic layer has a thickness in the range of 0.01-50 μm, preferably 0.1-20 50 μm.

[0117] If necessary, the compound having the viologen structure of formula (I) may be added with a compound which can facilitating coloration.

[0118] As described above, the electrochromic device, particularly the electrochromic mirror according to the invention comprises a reflective electrically conductive substrate, a transparent electrically conductive substrate, an ion conductive layer disposed therebetween and at least one electrochromic chromogenic layer disposed either between the reflective electrically conductive substrate and the ion conductive layer or between the transparent electrically conductive substrate and the ion conductive layer, the electrochromic chromogenic layer containing a compound having a viologen structure represented by formula (I). The basic arrangement of these components of the inventive mirror will be described below.

[0119] FIG. 1 through 4 show the typical arrangements of the components of the inventive electrochromic mirror.

[0120] The electrochromic mirror (10) shown in FIG. 1 comprises a first laminate comprising a transparent electrically conductive substrate including a transparent substrate (11) and the layer of a transparent electrode (12) formed on one surface of the substrate and an electrochromic chromogenic layer (13) formed on the electrode layer (12); a second laminate comprising a reflective electrically conductive substrate including a transparent or opaque substrate (17) and a reflective electrode layer (16) formed thereon; and an ion conductive layer disposed in sandwich relation in the space properly provided between the first and second laminates which are placed so that the electrochromic chromogenic layer (13) and the reflective substrate (16) face each other.

[0121] The another example of the electrochromic mirror (10) shown in FIG. 2 comprises a first laminate comprising a transparent electrically conductive substrate including a transparent substrate (11) and a layer of a transparent electrode (12) formed on one surface of the substrate and an electrochromic chromogenic layer (13) formed on the electrode layer (12); a second laminate comprising a transparent substrate (11) having a transparent electrode layer (12) formed on one surface of the substrate and a reflective layer (18) formed on the other surface; and an ion conductive material (14) disposed in sandwich relation in the space properly provided between the first and second laminates which are placed so that the electrochromic chromogenic layer (13) and the transparent electrode layer of the second laminate (16) face each other.

[0122] The electrochromic mirror shown in FIG. 3 comprises a first laminate comprising a transparent electrically conductive substrate including a transparent substrate (11) and a transparent electrode layer (12) formed on one surface of the substrate; a second laminate comprising a transparent or opaque substrate (17) having a reflective electrode layer (16) formed thereon and an electrochromic chromogenic layer (13) formed on the reflective electrode layer (16); and an ion conductive material (14) disposed in sandwich relation in the space properly provided between the first and second laminates which are placed so that the transparent electrode layer and the electrochromic chromogenic layer (13) face each other.

[0123] FIG. 4 shows another example of the inventive electrochromic mirror (10) comprises a first laminate including a transparent substrate (11) having a transparent electrode layer (12); a second laminate including a transparent substrate (11) having a transparent electrode layer (12) and an electrochromic chromogenic layer (13) formed one after another on one surface and a reflective layer formed on the other surface; and an ion conductive material (14) disposed in sandwich relation in the space property provided between the first and second laminates which are placed so that the transparent electrode layer of the first laminate and the electrochromic chromogenic layer (13) of the second laminate face each other.

[0124] Needless to mention, each of the electrochromic mirrors shown in FIG. 1 thorough 4 can be colored or bleached by electrochromic phenomenon brought by an electric voltage applied over each electrode. An electric voltage can be applied by any conventional methods.

[0125] There is no particular limitation to a method for forming each of the layers or films of the inventive electric mirror. Each of the layers or films can be formed in accordance with the methods described above. Taking an example from the electrochromic mirror shown in FIG. 1, the transparent electrode layer (12) is formed on the transparent substrate (11) by the above-described method and then the electrochromic chromogenic layer (13) is formed on the electrode layer (12) thus formed thereby obtaining a laminate (referred to as laminate A). Another laminate (referred to as laminate B) is obtained by forming a reflective electrode layer (16) on a substrate (17) in accordance with the procedure described above. Laminates A and B are placed, facing each other and spaced 1-1,000 μm apart and sealed at their edges with a sealant (15), leaving a portion used for an inlet, thereby forming a empty cell. An ion conductive material or the precursor thereof is injected from the inlet into the cell in a manner described above so as to form the layer of the ion conductive material thereby producing an electrochromic mirror.

[0126] When laminates A and B are placed, facing each other, a spacer may be inserted therebetween so as to provide the space retained constantly. No particular limitation is imposed on such a spacer. There may be used one in the form of beads and a sheet. The spacer may be inserted between the electrically conducted substrates facing each other or provided by forming the protrusions of an insulate material of the electrode on an electric conductive substrate.

[0127] The ion conductive material layer may be formed by injecting the precursor thereof the space between the electrically conductive substrates facing each other and curing the same. No particular limitation is imposed on a method for curing the precursor. Therefore, the precursor may be cured by lightning, on heating or by injecting a reactive liquid which cures with the progress of time before the precursor being injected. The inlet of the cell may be sealed suitably after completion of the injection of the precursor of the ion conductive material.

[0128] Alternatively, a transparent electrode layer (17), an electrochromic chromogenic layer (13) and an ion conductive layer (14) are formed one after another in the order of mentioned in the above-described manner thereby forming a laminate (referred to as laminate A). Another laminate (referred to as laminate B) is obtained by forming a reflective electrically conductive layer (16) on a substrate (17). Laminates A′ and B′ are placed, facing each other so that the ion conductive material layer of laminate A′ contacts the reflective electrically conductive of laminate B′ and then sealed at their edges with a sealant (15).

[0129] The electrochromic mirror shown in FIG. 2 may be obtained by forming a transparent electrode layer (12) on one surface of a transparent substrate (11) and a reflective layer on the other surface and then following the same procedure as described for the electrochromic mirror shown in FIG. 1.

[0130] The electrochromic mirrors shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be produced by following the same procedure as described for those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Although FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate the typical examples of the structure of the inventive electrochromic mirror, it is not limited to these structures and thus may contain additional components. Such additional components may be an ultraviolet blocking layer such as an ultraviolet reflective layer and an ultraviolet absorbing layer and an overcoat layer provided to protect the mirror entirely or the surface of each of the films or layers. The ultraviolet blocking layer is preferably disposed on the outer side of a transparent substrate (11) or on a transparent electrode layer formed on the transparent substrate. The overcoat layer is preferably disposed on the outer side of a transparent substrate (11) or the outer side of a reflective layer (18).

[0131] The electrochromic device according to the invention is quick in response and possesses sufficient durability and is excellent memory function due to the electrochromic chromogenic layer containing a specific compound. Furthermore, the use of such an electrochromic chromogenic layer leads to the production of the inventive electrochromic device with ease and at low cost. The inventive device is advantageous because the density of coloration thereof can be adjusted easily by changing the specifications of the compound contained in the electrochromic chromogenic layer. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is possible to produce a device having a large size and improved in safety due to the capability of using a solid electrolyte as an ion conductive material layer which is free from scattering.

[0132] With the forgoing advantage in view, the inventive electrochromic chromogenic mirror is useful for an antiglare mirror for an automobile or decorative mirror for illumination.

[0133] The present invention will now be explained in further detail with reference to Examples, which are given only by way of illustration an are not intended for limiting the invention.

[0134] (1) Synthesis of Electrochromic Compound

[0135] A 100 ml three-necked flask was charged with 5 grams (12.9 mmol) of N′-p-styrylbipyridynium dichloride, 0.92 gram (13 mmol) of acrylamide and 30 ml pure water. The mixture was stirred with a magnetic stirrer and heated to 50° C. after being added with 0.1 ml of an aqueous solution containing 30% hydrogen peroxide. After 12 hours the reaction solution was added to acetone in order to precipitate a polymer. The polymer thus obtained had an average molecular weight of 3,500 and a structure represented by the formula given below in which m and n each are about 7.5.

[0136] (2) Preparation of Electrochromic Mirror

[0137] The compound produced in (1) was dissolved in dimethylformamide to make the 10% solution, by weight, of the compound. The solution was applied onto the ITO(indium tin oxide)-coated surface of a glass substrate. The glass substrate was heated on a hot plate to remove nitrobenzene and then had the thin film (thickness of 5 μm) of the copolymer formed thereon, thereby obtaining a transparent electrically conductive substrate with an electrochromic layer (designated as Laminate A).

[0138] A substrate having a platinum film formed thereon was used as a high reflective electrode (designated as Laminate B). On the edges of the platinum-film side of the Laminate B except for a portion forming an inlet for injecting the solution of an electrolyte precursor, an epoxy-based adhesive was applied in the form of a line. Laminate A was superimposed on Laminate B such that the electrochromic layer and the platinum electrode layer face each other and then pressurized so as to cure the adhesive, thereby obtaining an empty cell with an inlet.

[0139] Separately from these procedure, 0.4 gram of lithium perchlorate was added to the mixed solution of 1.0 gram of methoxypolyethylene glycol monomethacrylate (oxyethylene unit thereof is 4 in number) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. under the name of ME04, 0.02 gram of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (oxyethylene unit thereof is 9 in number) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. under the name of 9G and 4.0 grams of γ-butylolactone. The resulting mixture was added with 0.02 gram of 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl propane-1-on (manufactured by Merk Co,. Ltd., under the name of “Darocure-1116”) as a photopolymerization initiator in a dark room and then injected into the above-obtained cell through the inlet after being deaerated.

[0140] After the inlet was sealed with an epoxy-based sealant, the electrolyte precursor in the cell was cured by being exposed to fluorescent through the transparent substrate to form a solid electrolyte, thereby obtaining an all solid type electrochromic mirror.

[0141] The mirror when assembled was not colored and had a reflectance of 85%. Upon application of an electric voltage, the mirror was quick in response and excellent in electrochromic properties. The mirror was colored upon application of voltage of 1.5 V and was 10% in reflectance with respect to 633 nm wavelength light. After 100 hours, the mirror still was colored and 10% in reflectance.

[0142] (1) Synthesis of Electrochromic Compound

[0143] 4-(4′-bipyridine) pyridiniumbromide was reacted with 1,2-dibromoethane in dimethylformamide at a temperature of 100° C. thereby obtaining 1-propyl-1′-bromoethyl-4,4′-bipyridiumbromide. This reaction mixture was subjected to elimination of HBr with use of an NaOH solution, thereby obtaining 1-propyl-1′-vinyl-4,4′-bipyridiumbromide.

[0144] The monomer thus obtained was subjected to bulk polymerization using di-t-butylperoxide as a catalyst at a temperature of 130° C. thereby obtaining a polymer having an average molecular weight of about 4,000 and a structure represented by the following formula wherein n is about 10.

[0145] (2) Preparation of Electrochromic Mirror

[0146] The compound produced in procedure (1) was dissolved in nitrobenzene to make the 10% solution, by weight, of the compound. The solution thus obtained was applied onto the platinum-film-formed side (reflective electrode side) of Laminate B as used in Example 1 and then heated on a hot plate to remove nitrobenzene thereby obtaining a reflective electrically conductive substrate (designated as Laminate C) with the layer of the electrochromic thin film of the compound having a thickness of 5 μM.

[0147] A glass substrate with an electrically conductive layer of palladium was used as a transparent electrically conductive substrate (designated as Laminate D). An epoxy-based resin was applied in the form of lines on the edges other than a portion forming an inlet of an electrolyte precursor solution, of Laminate D. Laminate C was superimposed on Laminate D such that the electrochromic layer faced the transparent electrode layer while being pressed to cure the adhesive thereby to provide an empty cell with an inlet.

[0148] Separately from these procedures, 0A gram of lithium perchlorate was added to the mixed solution of 1.0 gram of methoxypolyethylene glycol monomethacrylate (oxyethylene unit thereof is 4 in number) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. under the name of ME04, 0.02 gram of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (oxyethylene unit thereof is 9 in number) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. under the name of 9G and 4.0 grams of γ-butylolactone thereby obtaining a homogeneous solution. The solution thus obtained was added with 0.02 gram of 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl propane-1-on (manufactured by Merk Co,. Ltd., under the name of “Darocure-1116” as a photopolymerization initiator in a dark room and then injected into the above-obtained cell through the inlet after being deaerated.

[0149] After the inlet port of the cell was sealed with an epoxy-based adhesive, the precursor of the electrolyte was cured by being exposed to a fluorescent through the transparent substrate to form a solid electrolyte layer, thereby obtaining an all solid type electrochromic mirror as shown in FIG. 3.

[0150] Upon completion of assembling the mirror, it is not colored and 85% in reflectance. Upon application of electric voltage, the mirror was quick in response and excelled in electrochromic properties. More specifically, when an electric voltage of 1.5 V was applied to the mirror, it is colored and 15% in reflectance. Even after the application of such electric voltage was terminated, the mirror was still kept colored and 10% in reflectance 100 hours later.

[0151] (1) Synthesis of Electrochromic Compound

[0152] A 100 ml three-necked flask was charged with 12.9 mmol of N-methyl-N′-p-styrylbipyridynium ditetrafluoroborate, 13 mmol of acrylamide and 30 ml pure water. The mixture was stirred with a magnetic stirrer and heated to 50° C. after being added with 0.1 ml of an aqueous solution containing 30% hydrogen peroxide. After 12 hours the reaction solution was added to acetone in order to precipitate a polymer. The reaction solution was added to acetone in order to precipitate a polymer. The polymer thus obtained had an average molecular weight of 3,500 and a structure represented by the formula given below in which m and n each are about 7.5.

[0153] (2) Preparation of Precursor of Solid Electrochromic Layer

[0154] 0.4 gram of lithium perchlorate was added to a mixture solution of 1.0 gram of methoxypolyethylene glycol monomethacrylate (oxyethylene unit thereof is 4 in number) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd. under the name of MEO4, 0.02 gram of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (oxyethylene unit thereof is 4 in number) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd. under the name of 9G and 4.0 grams of γ-butylolactone. The resulting mixture was added with 0.02 gram of 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropane-1-on manufactured by Merk Co., Ltd. under the name of Darocure-116” as a photopolymenzation initiator in a dark room.

[0155] 0.5 gram of the compound produced in (1) above was dissolved in the solution thus obtained.

[0156] (3) Preparation of Electrochromic Mirror

[0157] A silicone sealant was applied in the form of lines along the peripheral edges except for a portion to be used for injecting an electrolyte precursor solution, of an ITO (surface resistance: 20 Ω/cm²) glass substrate (D) having on its one side an aluminum film layer as a reflective layer. A glass substrate (E) having on its surface an ITO layer (surface resistance: 20 Ω/cm²) was superimposed over the substrate (D) such that the ITO surfaces of the substrates (D) and (E) face each other and then the silicone sealant was cured while being pressurized thereby producing a hollow cell with an injection port.

[0158] After the solution obtained in (2) was injected into the cell and then the injection port was sealed with an epoxy sealant, the solution in the cell was cured by exposing the side of the transparent substrate of the cell to fluorescent light thereby obtaining a solid electrolyte.

[0159] The mirror when assembled was not colored and had a reflectance of 82%. Upon application of an electric voltage, the mirror was quick in response and excellent in electrochromic properties. The mirror was colored upon application of a voltage of 1.2 V and had a reflectance of 10% with respect to 633 nm wavelength light.

[0160] (1) Synthesis of Electrochromic Compound

[0161] A 100 ml three-necked flask was charged with 12.9 mmol of N-methyl-N′-p-styrylbipyridynium ditetrafluoroborate, 13 mmol of acrylamide and 30 ml pure water. The mixture was stirred with a magnetic stirrer and heated to 50° C. after being added with 0.1 ml of an aqueous solution containing 30% hydrogen peroxide. After 12 hours, the reaction solution was added to acetone in order to precipitate a polymer. The polymer thus obtained had an average molecular weight of 3,500 and a structure represented by the formula given below in which m and n each are about 7.5.

[0162] (2) Preparation of Precursor of Solid Electrochromic Layer

[0163] 0.3 gram of litliumtetrafluoroborate was added to a mixture of 1.0 gram of a urethane acrylate-based cross linking agent manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd. under the name of U-340AX and 6.0 grams of propylene carbonate thereby obtaining a homogeneous solution. In a dark room, 0.02 gram of 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropane-1-on manufactured by Merk Co., Ltd., under the name of “Darocure-1116” as a photopolymerization initiator was added to the solution thus obtained by deaeration.

[0164] 0.7 gram of the polymer obtained in (1) above was dissolved in the solution thus obtained.

[0165] (3) Preparation of Electrochromic Mirror

[0166] A silicone sealant was applied in the form of lines along the peripheral edges, except for a portion to be used for injecting an electrolyte precursor solution, of a glass substrate (F) having on its one surface a platinum film layer as a reflective electric conductive layer. A glass substrate (G) having on its surface an SnO₂layer (surface resistance: Ω/cm²) as a transparent electrically conductive layer was superimposed over the substrate (F) such that the SnO₂surface and the platinum film surface face each other, and then the epoxy sealant was cured while being pressurized thereby producing a hollow cell with an injection port.

[0167] After the solution obtained in (2) was injected into the cell and then the injection port was sealed with an epoxy sealant, the solution in the cell was cured by exposing the side of the transparent substrate of the cell to fluorescent light thereby obtaining a solid electrolyte.

[0168] The mirror when assembled was not colored and had a reflectance of 82%. Upon application of an electric voltage, the mirror was quick in response and excellent in electrochromic properties. The mirror was colored upon application of a voltage of 1.2 V and had a reflectance of 10% with respect to 633 rum wavelength light.

[0169] (1) Synthesis of Electrochromic Compound

[0170] A 100 ml three-necked flask was charged with 5 grams (12.9 mmol) of N-methyl-p-styrylbipyridyl dichloride, 0.92 gram (13 mmol) of acrylamide and 30 ml pure water. The mixture was stirred with a magnetic stirrer and heated to 50° C. after being added with 0.1 ml of an aqueous solution containing 30% hydrogen peroxide. After 12 hours, the reaction solution was added to acetone in order to precipitate a polymer. The polymer thus obtained had a average molecular weight of 3,500 and a structure represented by the formula given below in which m and n each are about 7.5.

[0171] (2) Preparation of Smart Window

[0172] The compound produced in (1) was dissolved in dimethylformamide to make the 10% solution, by weight, of the compound. The solution was applied onto the ITO (indium tin oxide)coated surface of a glass substrate. The glass substrate was heated on a hot plate to remove nitrobenzene and then had the thin film (thickness of 5 μm) of the copolymer formed thereon, thereby obtaining a transparent electrically conductive substrate with an electrochromic layer (designated as Laminate H).

[0173] Laminate I was obtained by coating a surface of a glass with ITO. An epoxy sealant was applied in the form of lines along the peripheral edges, except for a portion to be used for injecting an electrolyte precursor solution, of the ITO-coated surface of the Laminate I. Laminate H was over Laminate I such that the electrochromic layer and the ITO-coated surface face each other, and then the sealant was cured with pressurizing thereby producing a hollow cell with an injection port.

[0174] Separately from this, a homogeneous solution was obtained by adding 0.4 g of lithium perchloride to 4.0 g of a mixed solution of 1.0 g of methoxypolyethylene glycol monomethacrylate (the number of oxyethylene unit: 4) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade name of M40G, 0.02 g of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (the number of oxyethylene unit: 9) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade name of 9G and 4.0 g of γ-butylolactone. To the homogeneous solution was added 0.02 g of a photopolymerization initiator, 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropane-1-on manufactured by Merk Co, Ltd. under the trade name Darocure-1116 in a dark room. The resulting homogenous solution as an electrolyte precursor was injected into the cell obtained above after being deaerated.

[0175] After an injection port was sealed with an epoxy sealant, the solution in the cell was cured by being exposed to fluorescent light thereby obtaining a solid electrolyte and also an all solid type electrochromic smart window.

[0176] The smart window when assembled was not colored and a reflectance of about 75%. The smart window was quick in response to an electric voltage and exhibited excellent electrochromic properties. The smart window was colored upon application of a voltage of 1.5 V and had a 10% transmittance of a 633 nm wavelength light.

[0177] (1) Synthesis of Electrochromic Compound

[0178] 4-(4′-bipyridine)pyridiniumbromide was reacted with 1,2-dibromoethane in dimethylformamide at a temperature of 100° C. thereby obtaining 1-propyl-1′-bromoethyl-4,4′-bipyridiumbromide. This reaction mixture was subjected to elimination of HBr with use of an NaOH solution, thereby obtaining 1-propyl-1′-vinyl-4,4′-bypyridiumbromide.

[0179] The monomer thus obtained was subjected to bulk polymerization using di-t-butylperoxide as a catalyst at a temperature of 130° C. thereby obtaining a polymer having an average molecular weight of about 4,000 and a structure represented by the following formula wherein m is about 10.

[0180] (2) Preparation of Smart Window

[0181] The compound produced in procedure (1) was dissolved in nitrobenzene to make the 10% solution, by weight, of the compound. The solution thus obtained was applied onto the platinum-film-formed side (reflective electrode side) of Laminate H as used in Example 5 and then heated on a hot plate to remove nitrobenzene thereby obtaining a reflective electrically conductive substrate (designated hereinafter as Laminate J) with the layer of the electrochromic thin film of the compound having a thickness of 5 μm.

[0182] A glass substrate with an electrically conductive layer of palladium was used as transparent electrically conductive substrate (designated as Laminate K). An epoxy sealant was applied in the form of lines on the edges other than a portion forming an inlet of an electrolyte precursor solution, of the palladium surface of Laminate K. Laminate L was superimposed on Laminate K such that the electrochromic layer faced the transparent electrode layer while being pressed to cure the sealant thereby to provide an empty cell with an inlet

[0183] Separately from this, a homogeneous solution was obtained by adding 0.4 g of lithium perchloride to a mixed solution of 1.0 g of methoxypolyethylene glycol monomethacrylate (the number of oxyethylene unit: 4) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade name of M40G, 0.02 g of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (the number of oxyethylene unit: 9) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade name of 9G and 4.0 g of γ-butylolactone. To the homogeneous solution was added 0.02 g of a photopolymerization initiator, 1-(4isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropane-1-on manufactured by Merk Co., Ltd., under the trade name Darocure-1116 in a dark room. The resulting homogeneous solution as an electrolyte precursor was injected in the cell obtained above after being deaerated.

[0184] After the injection port was sealed with an epoxy sealant, the solution in the cell was cured by being exposed to the fluorescent light thereby obtaining a solid electrolyte and also an all solid type electrochromic smart window.

[0185] The smart window when assembled was not colored and a reflectance of about 76%. The smart window was quick in response to an electric voltage and exhibited excellent electrochromic properties. The smart window was colored upon application of a voltage of 1.5 V and had a 12% transmittance of a 633 wavelength light.

[0186] (1) Synthesis of Electrochromic Compound

[0187] A 100 ml three-necked flask was charged with 12.9 mmol of N-methyl-N′-p-styrylbipyridynium ditetrafluoroborate, 13 mmol of acrylamide and 30 ml pure water. The mixture was stirred with a magnetic stirrer and heated to 50° C. after being added with 0.1 ml of an aqueous solution containing 30% hydrogen peroxide. After 12 hours, the reaction solution was added to acetone in order to precipitate a polymer. The polymer thus obtained had an average molecular weight of 3,500 and a structure represented by the formula given below in which m and n each are about 7.5.

[0188] (2) Preparation of Smart Window

[0189] A silicone sealant was applied in the form of lines along the peripheral edges except for a portion to be used for injecting an electrolyte precursor solution, of an ITO (surface resistance: 20 Ω/cm²) glass substrate (D) having on its one side an aluminum film layer as a reflective layer. A glass substrate (E) having on its surface an ITO layer (surface resistance: 20 Ω/cm²) was superimposed over the substrate (D) such that the ITO surfaces of the substrates (D) and (E) face each other and then the silicone sealant was cured while being pressurized thereby producing a hollow cell with an injection port.

[0190] Separately from this, a homogeneous solution was obtained by adding 0.4 g of lithium perchloride to a mixed solution of 1.0 g of methoxypolyethylene glycol monomethacrylate (the number of oxyethylene unit: 4) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical col., Ltd. under the trade name M40G, 0.02 g of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (the number of oxyethylene unit: 9) manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd. under the trade name 9G and 4.0 g of γ-butylolactone. To the homogeneous solution was added 0.02 g of a photopolymerization initiator, 1-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropane-1-on manufactured by Merk Co., Ltd., under the trade name of Darocure-1116 in a dark room. 0.5 g of the electrochromic compound obtained in (1) above was added to the homogeneous solution after deaeration thereof thereby obtaining an electrolyte precursor solution.

[0191] The electrolyte precursor solution was injected into the cell obtained above. After the injection port was sealed with an epoxy sealant, the solution in the cell was cured by being exposed to fluorescent light thereby obtaining a solid electrolyte and also an all solid type electrochromic smart window.

[0192] The smart window when assembled was not colored and a reflectance of about 76%. The smart window was quick in response to an electric voltage and exhibited excellent electrochromic properties. The smart window was colored upon application of a voltage of 1.5 V and had a 14% transmittance of a 633 nm wavelength light.

[0193] (1) Preparation of Smart Window

[0194] A silicone sealant was applied in the form of lines along the peripheral edges except for a portion to be used for injecting an electrolyte precursor solution, of one of a pair of glass substrates each having on its one surface an SnO₂layer (surface resistance: 20 Ω/cm²). The other glass substrate was superimposed over the substrate applied with the sealant such that the SnO₂surfaces face each other, and then the sealant was cured while being pressurized thereby producing a hollow cell with an injection port.

[0195] Separately from this, 0.3 g of lithiumtetrafluoroborate was added to a mixture of 1.0 g of a urethane acrylate-based crosslinking agent manufactured by Shin Nakamura Chemical Co., Ltd. under the name of U-340AX and 6.0 g of propylene carbonate thereby obtaining a homogeneous solution. In a dark room, 0.02 gram of 1-(4-;sopropylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropane-1-on manufactured by Merk Co., Ltd. under the name of Darocure-1116 as a photopolymerization initiator was added to the solution thus obtained, followed by dehydration.

[0196] 0.7 gram of the polymer obtained in (1) of Example 7 was added to the solution thus obtained thereby obtaining an electrolyte precursor solution.

[0197] The electrolyte precursor solution was injected into the cell obtained above. After the injection port was sealed with an epoxy sealant, the solution in the cell was cured by being exposed to fluorescent light thereby obtaining a solid electrolyte and also an all solid type electrochromic smart window.

[0198] The smart window when assembled was not colored and a reflectance of about 74%. The smart window was quick in response to an electric voltage and exhibited excellent electrochromic properties. The smart window was colored upon application of a voltage of 1.5 V and had a 13% transmittance of a 633 mm wavelength light.