Electrochromic devices and methods

Abstract

A heat treated electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode layer comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide and lithium, which provides a high transmission in the fully intercalated state, and which is capable of long term stability, is disclosed. Methods of making an electrochromic device comprising an anodic complementary counter electrode comprised of a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide are also disclosed.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A heat treated electrochromic device comprising:
 a) a first electrode comprising one of a cathodic electrochromic layer or an anodic counter electrode layer,   b) a second electrode comprising another of said cathodic electrochromic layer or said anodic counter electrode layer, wherein the said anodic counter electrode layer comprises a mixed tungsten-nickel oxide and lithium;   c) a lithium ion-conductor layer for conducting ions between said first and second electrodes;   d) a first conductive layer, and   e) a second conductive layer, said first and second electrodes and said ion-conductor layer being sandwiched between said first and second conductive layers.   
     
     
         2 . The heat treated electrochromic device of  claim 1 , wherein the mixed tungsten-nickel oxide in the anodic counter electrode layer reacts with the lithium in the ion-conductor layer and the lithium in the anodic counter electrode layer when heated. 
     
     
         3 . The heat treated electrochromic device of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of nickel in said mixed tungsten-nickel oxide ranges from 15% to 90% by weight of said mixed tungsten-nickel oxide. 
     
     
         4 . The heat treated electrochromic device of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of nickel in said mixed tungsten-nickel oxide ranges from 30% to 70% by weight of said mixed tungsten-nickel oxide. 
     
     
         5 . The heat treated electrochromic device of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of nickel in said mixed tungsten-nickel oxide ranges from 40% to 60% by weight of said mixed tungsten-nickel oxide. 
     
     
         6 . The heat treated electrochromic device of  claim 1 , wherein said cathodic electrochromic layer comprises a metal oxide. 
     
     
         7 . The heat treated electrochromic device of  claim 1 , wherein the anodic counter electrode layer comprises a composite of lithium tungsten oxide and nickel oxide.