Electrochromic device for applying voltage to electrodes

An electrochromic device consisting of only three layers:

• one layer of electrochromic working electrode having an electrochromic material containing at least one electrochromic polymer;
• one layer of counter electrode;
• and
• one single solid electrolyte layer, wherein the single solid electrolyte layer is in the form of a solid membrane distinct from both said electrochromic working electrode and distinct from said counter electrode, said solid electrolyte being in direct contact with each of said electrodes and said electrolyte layer not containing any electrochromic material;
• said device additionally having means for applying a voltage to said electrodes,
• wherein;
• the device has a potential window for operation, including an upper potential of the potential window,
• wherein said single solid electrolyte layer is of a material selected from the group consisting of:
• i) ionic liquids gelled or plasticized by at least one gelling or plasticizing agent,
• ii) electrolytic solutions of at least one electrolyte salt and/or of at least one acid in solution in a solvent, said solutions being gelled or plasticized by at least one gelling or plasticizing agent, and
• iii) thin layers of a material selected from hydrated oxides selected from the group consisting of hydrated Ta2O5 and hydrated ZrO2;
• iv) ionic liquids gelled or plasticized by at least one gelling or plasticizing agent and including at least one lithium salt,
• the counter electrode is solely constructed of a conductive metal material (MC), the redox potential of which corresponds to the upper potential of the potential window for operation of said electrochromic device,
• the electrochromic material of the working electrode comprises at least one electrochromic polymer additionally having electronic conductivity properties and/or at least one agent that generates an electronic conductivity.