This Small Business Innovation Research Phase 1 project will establish the feasibility of stabilizing nano-pigment dispersions in inks to facilitate manufacturing scale-up of electrochromic inks. The small business has previously developed patented inks based on electrochromic nano-pigments and a compatible ion-conductive adhesive, which are designed to be coated with conventional manufacturing equipment to produce flexible electrochromic devices, such as window films that change reversibly from dark to clear upon the application of 1.5V potential. While functional electrochromic films have been produced in the laboratory, attempts to scale to commercial manufacturing have been frustrated by agglomeration of nano-pigments in the inks over time. Various additives will be evaluated in these inks, to result in an electrochromic ink formulation suitable for manufacturing trials. This project will also explore ionic interactions with the surface of nano-particles buried within a polymer composite. The technical insights from this project may also have applicability in other technologies driven by ionic absorption / desorption.
The broader/commercial impact of this project springs from the invention of a new material that enables the production of light-weight, flexible electrochromic devices. Potential applications include architectural electrochromic window film and automotive electrochromic window film. Broad market acceptance of these films would contribute significantly to energy savings.
Chameleon Optics has developed novel electrochromic ink technology. These inks will change color, or alternatively change from transparent to opaque, with the application of a small electric charge. Reversing the charge switches the ink back to the original color. These patented inks can be incorporated into a wide range of products, including energy-saving variable-tint window films, privacy films, light-weight variable-tint goggles (e.g. ski goggles), automotive films, low-cost flexible displays, flexible electronic book readers, document safeguards, and toys. In this NSF-funded SBIR I project, the electrochromic inks were stabilized to make them compatible with large-scale manufacturing. A full pallet of ink colors was developed. In addition, the inks were made colorfast. These successful results are an important first step in creating products with significant societal benefits. Within the past year, Chameleon has provided data to several major U.S. corporations in response to their inquiries about electrochromic ink. Broad commercialization of products based on electrochromic ink will produce thousands of high-quality jobs domestically. U.S.-based companies will enjoy an edge over foreign competition with this technology incorporated in their products. Furthermore, these new electrochromic products can have a positive impact in energy conservation and pollution abatement. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, widespread adoption of electrochromic materials in architectural applications will result in energy savings up to 240 trillion BTU’s per year with huge attendant savings in carbon emissions.
