WO2014109759A1

WO2014109759A1 - Kit for providing a self-adhesive electrochromic device and self-adhesive electrochromic device manufactured therefrom

Info

Publication number: WO2014109759A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/021210
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olivier Dupuis; Jean-christophe Fernand MINOR; Henri Lucien Jose REYCKERS
Original assignee: Morgan Adhesives Comapny
Priority date: 2013-01-11
Filing date: 2013-01-11
Publication date: 2014-07-17
Also published as: WO2014109759A8

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kit for providing an electrochromic device, especially a self-adhesive electrochromic device, which is particularly designed for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object, as well as to the manufacture and the use thereof.

Description

Kit for Providing a Self -Adhesive Etectroehromic Device and

Self-Adhesive Eiectrochromatic Device Manufactured Therefrom

The present invention relates to the iechnica! field of eiectrochromic devices (ECDs).

Especiai!y, the present invention relates to a kit for providing an eiectrochromic device, especially a self-adhesive eiectrochromic device, wherein the kit comprises at least a first part and a second part.

Furthermore, the present invention refers to a method for producing the inventive kit on the basis of the first part and the second part as wei! as to a method for producing an eiectrochromic device as such.

The present invention also relates to the use of the inventive kit for producing an eiectrochromic device,

Moreover, the present invention aiso refers to an eiectrochromic device, especially a self-adhesive eiectrochromic device, wherein the eiectrochromic device of the invention is intended for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object, like a window or the like. The present invention further refers io the use of a first part and a second part of an electrochronrtic device, respectively, for producing the eiectrochromic device as such of the invention. in genera!, the present invention also refers to a preferably self-adhesive eiectrochromic device, wherein the device is made on the basis of o provided in two parts, i.e. a first part and a second part, which are in particular adhesive!y attached and/or laminated onto one another. As delineated hereinafter, an electrolytic pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is used to join the two parts, wherein the electrolytic pressure-sensitive adhesive also serves as an eiectroiyte and/or an ion source.

Wit respect to the general technical background, the functional technical characteristics of eiectrochromic devices (ECDs) are based on the principle that specific eiectrochromic materials are used which change light transmission and color properties in response to an applied voitage and thus aliow control over the amount of light passing trough an eiectrochromic device comprising the eiectrochromic material and the coior thereof..

In general, a materia! is defined to be an eiectrochromic material if it exhibits in particular reversible coior changes when a voitage (i.e. potential difference) is applied across the material, in this context, the eiectrochromic effect is defined as a visible and reversible change and variation, respectively of optica! proper- ties, in particular iight Iransrnitta ce and/or reflectance and/or color, observed in an eiectrochromic material in dependence of its electrochemical oxidation/reduction state and/or the degree of the intercalation of ions in the electro- chromic material. The above properties of transmission or reflection of iight account for the specific color of an eiectrochromic material. In this context, color changes typically arrange between a transparent (i.e. bleached) state and at least one colored state of the material corresponding to the specific conditions of oxidation/reduction states and/or the degree of the intercalation of ions.

Examples of eiectrochromic materials are conjugated polymers. The usef ulness of conjugated polymers as specific eiectrochromic materials result from a combination of individual properties, including inherent mechanical flexibility and solution processahiSity, in addition to the organic nature of these polymers thai enables their properties to be synthetically tuned fsrough structural modification of the polymer backbone. With the additional properties of semiconductors, the applications of conjugated polymers are extensive and hold considerable promise in future technologies,

Eiectrochromic devices (ECDs) are in general electrochemical ceils in which a redox reaction and/or ion translation and/or intercalation process occurs that induces a reversible change in the absorption/transmission or reflection of the eiectrochromic material at the electrode surface. In typical eiecirochromic devices (ECDs) containing conjugated eiectrochromic polymers, the eiectrochromic polymer film will be deposited on a first electrode substrate, such as indium doped tin oxide (ITO) on glass, and serves as the working electrode. On a second piece of indium doped tin oxide, another material, often another eSectrochromie polymer (ECP), is deposited and serves as a charge balancing source for the redox reaction, but it can also serve as a complementary coloring electrochroroe to the first eiectrochromic polymer film. Thus, the second piece of ITO is used as the counter-electrode or the working electrode. Between these two electrodes, an electrolyte is necessary to enable a charge transport. Gel electrolytes, solid electrolytes, and ionic liquids are commonly used for these purposes.

As delineated above, eiectrochromic devices are in general devices that show a reversible change in color, or optical density, b changing the applied voltage or electric potential. Such devices are used, for example_., in sun windows that can be darkened to help keep a room cool, or in variable reflectance mirrors in cars. Other potential applications include display panels and camouflage materials. Desirable attributes for an eiectrochromic device include complete transparency and lack of color in the "off-state, and preferably dark color in the "on"~state, i.e. after applying voltage or electrical potential to the eiectrochromic device. Low switching voltage is also important. In addition, an optimal system should show hysteresis so that a switching to the colored "on"-state is achieved by applying a positive voltage, if the voltage is then reduced to zero, the color re- mains. The transparent color of the "off'-siate is obtained when applying a negative voltage to the electrochromic device. Similarly, this transparent state remains until the applied voltage is again switched to positive values. In this way, the device does not need to be powered at all times and the total power consumption is reduced.

Usually, electrochromic devices can be made from either organic or inorganic material, as Song as the material has multiple stable redox states thai have different US-visible-IR absorption bands. The advantage of inorganic based electrochromic materials is that they are generally more stable in suniight and have longer lifetimes. The disadvantage of inorganic based devices is that they are much more expensive to produce than their organic counterparts. Similarly, the advantage of organic based devices is that they are inexpensive and easy to produce, while having acceptable operating lifetime. in this context, electrochromic devices as such as well as their respective production methods as such are known in the prior art, reference is made to US 5 825 528 B1 ; US 7 414 771 B2; US 7 952 785 B2; US 6 266 177 B1 ; US 6 972 888 B2; US 8 035 882 B2; EP 1 382 994 A2; US 5 082 355 B1 ; US 8 107 153 B2; US 6 908 842 B2 and US 8 1 15 984 B2. Furthermore, reference is made to US 6 178 034 B1 and US 2011 /0007253 A1. However, with regard to the provision of electrochromic devices, the respective prior art production methods are linked to several disadvantages, which also directly effect the resulting products.

Especially, prior art electrochromic devices are in genera! limited to small surface areas which only allow for a limited use thereof, e.g. in car mirrors and small window advertisements.

In this context, the relevant prior art production methods are also cost-intense since especially the electrochromic devices have to be manufactured and sealed under clean room conditions.

Furthermore, also the design and conception, especially with respect to the dimensional design, in particular surface area, of prior art electrochromic devices is significantl limited since it is in general neither possible to provide electrochromic devices having a large surface nor to provide one and the same electrochromic device with specific color patterns and the designs..

Consequently, also against this background, an individual adaptation of prior art electrochromic devices in the sense of a specific customizing taking, into consideration a specific application background, is often not possible. Furthermore, the application of eiectrochiOmic devices on specific substrates and objects like windows, walls and the like, is often also not satisfying, resulting in a deterioration of the durability of the applied eiecirochromic device as such.

Moreover, due to the general use of materials and components which are sensitive against oxidation and the influence of light and especially UV-radiation and due to the specific production processes, the prior art eiecirochromic devices in genera! only exhibit limited durability and storage properties which also limits the usability of the prior art eiecirochromic devices as such.

In this context and with respect to the production processes for the provision of eiecirochromic devices, on!y so-called one-step production processes are known in the art, according to which the complete and finished electrochromic device as such is produced as a finished product in a factory which is, however, finked to the above-mentioned disadvantages. in view of the above technical background, the present invention has for its object to provide a specific electrochromic device and/or a kit for providing a electrochromic device and respecttve production methods thereof which at least largely avoid or, alternatively, at least ameliorate and/or diminish the above- described disadvantages of the prior art

The present invention more particularly has for its object to provide a specific kit for producing an eiectrochrornic device and to provide an electrochromic device as such as well as respective methods for the production thereof which, on the one hand, avoid or at least ameliorate the disadvantages of conventionai elec- trochromic devices and production methods thereof, wherein, on the other hand, on the basis of the inventive concept of eiectrochromic devices with improved product properties shall be provided.

Especiai!y, according to a further object of the present invention, the electro- chromic devices provided on the basis of the inventive concept shou!d exhibit improved application characteristics and features especially on the basis of the provision of enlarged surface areas, improved storage characteristics and the possibility to provide specific combinations of colors and patterns within one and the same electrochrornic device.

Furthermore, the present invention has for its object to provide specific methods for the production of eiectrochromic devices wherein the inventive methods shall exhibit an improved effectiveness. Especially, the inventive methods shall allow for the ready~to~u.se production of the eiectrochromic device e.g. by and end user at the specific point of use outside the factory.

The stated object is achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by the subject-matter of independent Claim 1 , which relates to the inventive kit for providing an electrochrornic device, wherein the kit comprises at ieast a first part and a second part. Further advantages, developments and incamations of this aspect of the present invention are subject-matter of corresponding dependent claims.

Th present invention further provides an inventive method as defined in the respective independent method claim for the production of the kit of the invention. Further, advantages, developments and incarnations of this aspect of the present invention are the subject-matter of respective dependent method claims.

The present invention further provides a method for producing an electro- chromic device as defined in the respective independent method claim. Further advantages and eiaborations of the inventive method according to this aspect of the present invention are subject-matter of corresponding dependent method claims.

The present invention further provides an electrochromic device, especially a self-adhesive e!ectrochromic device, particuiarJy for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially pianar surface of an object according to the respective independent product claim. Further advantages and eiaborations of the inventive electrochromic device are the subject-matter of respective sub-claims and independent claims. naiSy, the present invention also provides the use of a first part and/or a second part for producing an eiectrochromic device as defined in the respective independent use claim.

It will be readily understood that incarnations, embodiments, advantages and the like, as recited herein below in respect of one aspect of the present invention only for the avoidance of repetition, self-evidently also apply mutatis mutandis to the other aspects of the present invention.

It will further be readiiy understood that the ranges recited herein below for value, number and range recitations are not to be construed as limiting; a person skilled in the art would appreciate that in a particular case or for a particular use, departures from the recited ranges and particulars are possible without leaving the realm of the present invention. in addition, any herein below recited value/parameter recitations or the like can in principle be determined/ascertained using standardized or explicitly recited methods of determination or else using methods of determination which are per se familiar to a person skilled in the art.

Having made that clear, the present invention will now be more particularly described in detail. The present invention accordingly provides ~ in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention - a kit for providing an e!ecfrochromic device, especially a self-adhesive eiectrochromic device, particularly for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object, wherein the kit comprises at least a first part and a second part; wherein the first pari comprises:

« a first substrate layer,

- a first electrically conductive layer associated to the first substrate layer,

- an ion reserve and/or ion storage layer associated to the first electrically conductive layer; and wherein the second part comprises:

- a second substrate layer,

- a second electrically conductive layer associated to the second substrate layer,

- an eiectrochromic material layer associated to the second electrically conductive layer,

Thus, the central gist of the claimed invention is to be seen, inter alia, in the purposeful provision of a specific kit comprising two parts, namely a first part and a second part, each part comprising a layered structure and/or being formed as a muitSlayered system, wherein the subsequent association and/or at- tachmeni and/or lamination of the respective first part and second part to one another results in an eiectrochromic device as such, the latter comprising the succession of the respective iayers provided by the first and second part, which guarantees for an efficient function and improved characteristics of the resulting eiectrochromic device of the invention.

Especially, the inventive kit provides at least two independent, physically separate parts, which are, however, functionally associated to one another, so that after combination of the separate parts a functional, i.e. an eiectrochromic device (ECD), results.

A kit or, synonymously, a kit-of-parts in the sense of the present invention constitutes a subset of physically separate pre-fabricated parts, which are, however, functionally associated to each other, so that the final user can combine them easily in order to provide the desired final product (i.e. ECD), thus achieving flexibility in assembly and efficiency in manufacture. The inventive kit thus comprises physically separate pre-designed and/or pre-engineered and/or prefabricated and/or modul-based components for final combination to a functional unit or device. Thus, the inventive kit comprises an assembly of functionally and/or technically coherent or complementary parts or elements, which are physically independent or physically separate but are designed or determined or intended to be finally combined to the desired end-product (i.e. ECD); when combining the funciionaliy and/or technically coherent or comp!ementary parts or elements, their physical separation is eliminated and a functional unit results.

Especially, the inventive concept thus enables the final user to combine the different parts to the final product immediately before the desired application in a desired and/or tailored manner, thus giving maximum flexibility to the final design of the end-product.

One decisiv advantage linked to the inventive concept is the fact that the completion and/or provision of the electrochromic device can take place immediately before or during its application onto the surface of a respective object, like a window, a mirror and the like. In this context, the present invention refers - in a manner of speaking - to a two-step procedure wherein only the respective first part and second part as such as isolated, separate objects are produced in a factory and wherein the combination and association, especially lamination, of the respective parts for the provision of the electrochromic device is realized at a later stage shortly before or during application on the surface of an object.

The inventive concept in turn also results in an improved storage time and/or lifetime of the respective parts of the inventive kit for providing electrochromic device since the respective parts can be stored separated from each other. Thus, the respective parts can be stored for a long time, especially more than six months, without significant degradation of the respective components. Furthermore, it is not necessary to produce the eiectrochromic device as such under clean room conditions, which also ai!ows for an enlargement of the size, especially total and/or surface area of the resulting eiectrochromic device. Furthermore, the freedom of design is significantly improved since the inventive concept allows for a specific realization of color and/or design patterns with regard to the resulting eiectrochromic device. Furthermore, the eiectrochromic device produced on the basis of the inventive kit exhibits - as a further advantage - outstanding electrical properties, especially since only low voltages and/or low currents are necessary for the work of the eiectrochromic device. Furthermore, especially with regard to the switching behavior of the eiectrochromic device in accordance with the present invention, i.e. the induced change of iransmittance and/or color, outstanding hysteresis properties are achieved.

The inventive concept on the basis of the provision of specific parts, which are attached to each other in order to obtain a functional eiectrochromic device is linked to the use of specific electrolytic adhesive layers with regard to the respective first part and second part.

In this context and as delineated hereinafter in detai!, the electrically conductive adhesive layer comprises - according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the claimed invention - electrolyte-containing adhesion layer, especially an ion- containing adhesion layer, preferably on the basis of a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Especially, according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the claimed invention, the first part and/or the second part of the inventive kit further comprises at least one electrically conductive adhesive layer, in particular, the first part of the inventive kit further comprises at least one electricall conductive adhesive layer. The specific use of an electrolytic adhesive layer allows for an effective association, specifically lamination of the two parts, i.e. the first part and the second part of the inventive kit, for providing the inventive eiectrochromie device, !n this context, the electrically conductive adhesive layer exhibits a double function since it provides both electric-conductive properties, on the one hand, and adhesive properties, on the other hand, allowing for the full technical functionality of the resulting eiectrochromie device.

Specifically, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is the first part which comprises the at feast one electrically conductive adhesive layer. In this context, the electrically conductive adhesive layer of the first part should advantageously be associated to the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer of the first part. In this context, it may be possible that the electrically conductive adhesive layer is an outermost layer of the first part. Furthermore, according io an alternative embodiment of the claimed invention, the second part of the inventive kit may comprise the at ieast one eiectricaiiy conductive adhesive layer. In this context, the eiectricaiiy conductive adhesive layer may be associated to the eiectrochromic materia! layer. Furthermore, the eiectricaiiy conductive adhesive layer may be an outermost layer of the second part.

Wit respect to further details dealing with the eiectricaiiy conductive adhesive layer, reference is made to the following annotations given with respect to the description of the figures.

Further advantages, properties, aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, of which:

Fig. 1A shows a schematic cross-sectional depiction of an inventive kit on the basis of the first part and the second part, wherein the first part comprises an eiectricaiiy conductive adhesive Iayer;

Fig. 1B shows a schematic cross-sectionai depiction of an inventive kit on the basis of an alternative embodiment of the present invention according to which the second part of the kit is provided with an electrically conductive adhesive iayer; Fig, 2A shows a schematic cross-sectional depiction of the first part of the inventive kit, wherein the first part further comprises an electrically conductive adhesive layer on which a preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer, especial iy a first release liner, is at- tached;

Fig. 2B shows a schematic cross-sectional depiction of the first part of the inventive kit according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, according to which the removable first covering and/or pro- tective layer is attached to the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer;

Fig. 2C shows a schematic cross-sectional depiction of the first part of the inventive kit according to a further embodiment of the claimed invention, wherein the first part comprises the layered structure as shown in Fig. 2A, however, with the proviso that the first part further comprises iayers, i.e. a further adhesive layer and a preferably removabie covering layer which are both positioned on the side of the substrate which is opposite to the first electricall conductive layer; Fig. 2D shows a schematic cross-sectional depiction of the second part of the inventive kit, wherein the second part exhibits a preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer, which is associated to the eSectrochromic materia! layer; Fig, 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional depiction of the first part of the inventive kit, according to which the edge of the first part is sealed wit a sealing means, especially on the basis of a self adhesive sealing tape:

Fig, 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional depiction of an electrochromic device made on the basis of the inventive kit comprising the first part and the second part, wherein the second part is attached to the first part and wherein the first part is attached to the surface of an object;

Fig. 5 shows a schematically cross-sectional depiction of an electrochromic device according to another embodiment of the present invention on the basis of a combination of the first and the second part of the inventive kit, wherein the resulting electrochromic device is attached to the surface of an object and wherein the electrochromic device further comprises a conductive adhesive layer and a conductive polymer layer within the second part of the inventive kit.

As shown in the above-described figures, the present invention, according to a first aspect of the present invention provides a kit 1 for providing an electrochromic device 2, especially a self-adhesive electrochromic device, which is particularly determined for the application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object 19, wherein the kit 1 comprises at ieast a first part 3 and a second part 4; wherein the first part 3 comprises:

a first substrate layer 5,

a first electrically conductive layer 8 associated to the first substrate layer 5,

an ion reserve and/or ion storage layer 7 associated to the first electrically conductive layer 0; and wherein the second part 4 comprises:

a second substrate layer 8,

a second electrically conductive layer 9 associated to the second substrate layer 8,

- an electrochromic materia! layer 10 associated to the second electrically conductive layer 8.

The term "associated to", which is used in the realm of the present invention especially with regard to the particularly interdependent arrangement and/or configuration of the various layers, denotes a functional {inter- Relationship of any kind of the respective layers of one of the kit or of the resulting ECD, respectively. According to a particular embodiment, the term "associated to" refers to a layer arrangement and/or layer configuration where the respective layers are in contact with one another, especially where the respective layers are adhered or attached to one another: in these specific cases, the term "associated to" may especially be understood as "in contaci with" and according to a fur- ther embodiment also as "adhered to" or "attached to". However, the term "associated to" is not necessarily limited to the latter embodiment only but also encompasses other embodiments where the respective layers are not in direct or intimate contact (e.g. since one or more interSayers are arranged therebetween) but nevertheless have a functional (inter- Relationship and/or a functional

(inter- dependency and/or a functional interaction.

in cases where different layers are in contact with one another, especially where these layers are attached and/or adhered to each other, such contact, especially such attachment and/or adhesion, may preferably be over the entire surfaces of the contacting sides of these layers. However, also a partial or sectional (i.e. discontinuous) contact is generally possible or envisaged although less preferred. The same applies mutatis mutandis to the respective layers of the first and second part facing one another when, for the manufacture or production of the eiectrochromic device, the first part of the kit is combined with the second part of the kit and vice versa.

The first part 3 and/or the second part 4 may further comprise at least one electrically conductive adhesive layer 11, 11'. At least the first part 3 may further comprise at least one electrically conductive adhesive layer 11. Particularly., the first part 3 may comprise at Ieast one electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1. Especially the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 is associated to the Ion reserve and/or ion storage layer 7. Furthermore, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 may be an outermost layer of the first part 3.

In particular, the second part 4 may comprise at least one electrically conductive adhesive iayer 1 ^*. Especially, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 ' is associated to the electrochromic material Iayer 10. Furthermore, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1' may an outermost Iayer of the second part 4.

The electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 11 ' may be an electrolyte- containing adhesive layer, especially an ion-containing adhesive layer.

Preferably, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 1 is self-adhesive. Especially, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1 , 11 ' is an electrolyte- containing self-adhesive layer, especially an ion-containing self-adhesive layer.

According to a particular embodiment, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1 , 1 1 ' may comprise at least one self-adhesive component, especially at ieast one pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), in particular at least one electrolyte- containing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), in particular at least one ion- containing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA),

The term "pressure-sensitive adhesive", also abbreviated "PSA", which is used 5 in the realm of the present invention is especially to be understood as having a very broad meaning, and more particularly refers to an adhesive which has in dry form ("solvent/water free") a permanent tackiness especially at room temperature and which firmly adheres to a variety of surfaces upon mere contact with the respective surface and essentially without the need of more than a Sight to pressure (e.g. finger o hand pressure). In general, pressure-sensitive adhe- sives do not require any activation by water, solvents or heat in order to exert a strong adhesive holding force towards the surface of a material, such as paper, plastic, glass, wood, cement and metal, in general, pressure-sensitive adhe- sives have sufficient cohesive holding power and elastic nature so that, despite i s of their tackiness, they can be removed from smooth surfaces without leaving a residue by applying low release powers. In general, several chemical starting materials exist which may foe used to manufacture pressure-sensitive adhe- sives. The respective materials and methods for the manufacture of pressure- sensitive adhesives is in genera! well known to the skilled practitioner. Accord-

20 ing to the present invention, acrylic-based polymers, especially acrylic ester copolymers, are particularly preferred since they also exhibit outstanding properties wit respect to transparency and resistance to oxidation, in general, the pressure-sensitive adhesive may be provided in form of solutions, aqueous emulsions or at least essentially complete solid forms.

Furthermore, the term "electrically conductive adhesive layer" which is used in the realm of the present invention is to be understood as having a very broad meaning and more particularly refers to an adhesive layer which in particula comprises a pressure-sensiiive adhesive wherein the adhesive also comprises at least one electrolyte. n general, the electrically conductive adhesive layer exhibits electrical current conducting properties, especially ion conducting properties. Especially, in order to provide the used adhesive, especially pressure- sensitive adhesive, with current conducting properties, an electrolyte, preferably a lithium compound, is added to the pressure-sensitive adhesive, as delineated hereinafter.

In general, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 11^* according to the invention is, without wishing to be tied to this theory, a preferably electrically conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and serves, on the one hand, as an electrolyte layer providing ions to be stored and/or intercalated into the electro- chromic material, and, on the other hand, serves as the adhesive layer necessary to combine and/or laminate the two parts 3, 4 of the kit 1 to each other.

The high conductivity of the adhesive layer 11 , 1 1 ' is especially obtained by incorporation of an electrolyte into the adhesive material. The electrically conduc- tive adhesive layer 11 , 11' according to the present invention should be highiy conductive in order to allow ions to move freely. Furthermore, the electrolyte and/or the electrically conductive adhesive should be transparent in the desired wavelength in order not to hinder the visibility of the color change of the electro- chromic materia! 10. In addition, the electrolyte should possess, on the one hand, a very high chemical stability to prevent unwanted chemical reactions, and, on the other hand, a significant electrochemical stability over a wide range of voltages, so that the electrolyte withstands the electric field applied to the eSectrochromic material. The electrolytes which can be used according to the present invention are for example gel electrolytes, solid electrolytes, and ionic liquids. According to a preferred embodiment of the claimed invention, lithium trifluoromefianesulfonate also known by the name lithium inflates may be used as a component of the electrolyte. Lithium bis{irifiuoromethane)sulfonirnide (LiBTI) could also be used according to the inventive concept.

The adhesive layer comprising the electrolyte according to the invention is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA) according to the invention are in general adhesives which should be permanently tacky at room temperature and should strongly adhere to a surface upon mere contact between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the substrate without using any activation process. Moreover, the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) according to the invention should have sufficient cohesive holding power and elastic nature so that it can be removed from smooth surfaces without leaving a residue.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) may be at least in part dispersible, especially at !east in part suspendibie, in water. Furthermore, it is also preferred if the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11, 1 T is at feast in part soluble in water. According to a particular embodiment, the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is solvent-based, especially a solvent-based acrylic adhesive. The pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) may be an aqueous emulsion or, alternatively, the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) may be a solid.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the pressure- sensitive adhesive (PSA) is selected from the group consisting of acrylic ester copolymers, polyacryiates, polyvinyl acetales, polyvinyl acetates, polya!kyiene oxides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl ethers, butyl rubbers, silicone rubbers, poly- siloxanes, siloxane copolymers, styrene block copolymers and combinations thereof, especially acrylic ester copolymers. The pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) may further comprise an additive selected from the group consisting of plasticizers, crossl inkers, UV-adsorbers and combinations thereof.

According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the electrically conductive adhesion layer 11 , 11' may comprise the pressure-sensitive adhe- sive (PSA) in an amount in the range from 50 to 99 % by weight, especially in the range from 60 to 98 % by weight, in particular in the range from 70 to 97 % by weight, preferably in the range from 80 to 95 % by weight, based on the dry weight of the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1 , 11^*.

Preferably, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 1 1 ' comprises at least one eiectrolyte.

Especially, the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) of the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 11 ^* is at least in part dispersihle, especially at least in part suspendible, in the electrolyte and/or is at least in part soluble in the electrolyte.

Preferably, the eiectrolyte is selected from the group consisting of (i) water- soluble electrolytes, especially aqueous electrolytes; (ii) organically based electrolytes, especially liquid organic electrolytes; (Hi) ionic liquids; (iv) solid polymeric electrolytes; (v) and combinations thereof.

According to a particular embodiment of the present Invention, the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts, earth alkali metal salts and combinations thereof, especially alkali metal salts. Pursuant to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of lithium salts, sodium salts, potassium salts and combinations thereof, preferably lithium salts.

Especially, the cation of the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, especially lithium.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the counter-ion or anion of the electrolyte may be selected from the group consisting of (i) perforates; (ii) borates, especially fiuoroboraies, in particular tetrafiuoroborates; (iif) phosphates, especially fluorophosphates, in particular hexafluorophos- phates; (iv) sulfonates, especially afkylsulfonates, in particular fluoroalkyS- sulfonates, preferably fluoromethySsu!fonates, most preferably trifluoromethyl- suifonate; (v) sulfonimides, especially bisfsulfony^imides, in particular bis- {aikanesulfonyr)imides, preferably bisffluoroalkanesulfonylji ides, more preferably bis{fluoromeihanesuifonyl)imides, most preferably bis(trtfluoromeihane~ suifony!}imide; ( i) and combinations thereof.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte is lithium trtf!uoromethyisutfonate and/or lithium bis(ififluoromeihane- suifonyl)imide, especially lithium trifluoromethylsulfonate. The electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 11' may comprise the electrolyte in a variable amounts, especially in an amount in the range from 1 to 50 % by weight, especially in the range from 2 to 40 % by weight, in particular in the range from 3 to 30 % by weight, preferably in the range from 5 to 20 % by weight, based on the dry weight of the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1 , 1 1\

Usually, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 11' exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 0.01 Mm to 1 ,000 um, especially in the range from 0.1 Mm to 500 m, in particular in the range from 0.5 μ η to 100 prrs, preferably in the range from 1 μηη to 50 tm.

According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 11' exhibits a light transmittance in the range from 50 % to 100 %, especially in the range from 60 % to 99 %, in particular in the range from 70 % to 98 %, preferably in the range from 80 % to 95 %.

According to the present invention, it is preferred if the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1 , 11 ' is at least essentially in a solid state and/or if the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 , 1 1^* is at least essentially unable to flow and/or If the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1 , 1 1' exhibits at least essentially no flowability. Usually, the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 1 1' Is flexible and/or pliable.

In general, the substrate layers 5, 8 according to the invention, may serve, on the one hand, as preferably flexibie support fayers for the electrically conductive layers 6, 9 and, on the other hand, as protective layers in order to prevent destruction and/or impact on the function of the device, especially the conductive layers, the electrochromic material, the electrolyte and the ion-reserve and/or storage layer by environmental influences.

The substrate iayers 5, 6 according to the invention should be preferably flexible and should comprise and/or consist of polyesters, polycarbonates, polymethylmethacrylates (PMMA), glass and the like.

According to the present invention, the first substrate layer 5 and/or the second substrate layer 8, independently from each other, comprise(s) or is/are made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polycarbonates, polymethylmethacrylates (PMMA), polyethylene terephthaiates and glass.

Further, the first substrate layer 5 and/or the second substrate layer 8, independently from each other, may exhibit a light transmitiance in the range from 30 % to 100 %. especially in the range from 40 % to 99 %, in particular in the range from 50 % to 98 %, preferably in the range from 60 % to 95 %. It is also possible according the present invention that the first substrate layer 5 and/or the second substrate iayer 8, independently from each other, is/are colored and/or colorized.

Moreover, the first substrate Iayer 5 may comprise or be made of a metallic material, especially an electrically conductive metallic material, especially aluminum and/or copper. Especially, the first substrate layer 5 may be at least essentially opaque.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate layer 5 and the first electrically conductive Iayer 8 may form a single substrate iayer 5', especially a single electrically conductive substrate layer 5^*. Especially, both the first substrate layer 5 and the first electrically conductive layer 6 may replaced by a single substrate layer 5', especially a single electrically conductive substrate layer 5'.

According to this specific embodiment, the single substrate layer 5' may comprise or consist of a metallic material, especially an electrically conductive metallic material, especially silver, gold, platinum, aluminum and/or copper, in particular aluminum and/or copper. Especially, the single substrate layer 5' may be at least essentially opaque. Usually, the first substrate layer 5 and/or the second substrate layer 8 and/or the single substrate layer 5^!, independently from each other, may exhibit a thickness in the range from 1 pm to 10 mm, especially in the range from 5 pm to 5 mm. in particular in the range from 0 pm to 2 mm. preferably in the range from 30 pm to 1 mm, more preferably in the range from 50 pm to 0.5 mm.

According to a usual embodiment of the present invention, the first substrate layer 5 and/or the second substrate layer 8 and/or the single substrate layer 5', independently from each other, is/are flexible and/or pliable.

In general, the electrically conductive layers 6, 9 according to the invention contain mobile charge carriers and serve as transport layers to transport electrical: charges when a voltage is applied. Especially, the electrically conductive layers 6, 9 may serve as means for applying the voltage and/or potential difference layers positioned between the electrically conductive layers 6, 9, especially with the consequence thai an electric field is generated between the respective layers, also allowing for and/or inducing the movement of charge carriers, especially ions between the layers.

The conductive layers 8, 9 are preferably deposited onto the substrate layers 5, 8 by coating methods known in the art. For example wet coating, RF-sputtering and DC-magnetron sputtering, electrochemical deposition and the like can be applied for the deposition of the conductive layers 8, 9 onto the substrate layers 5, 8.

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the first electrically conductive layer 8 and the second electncaiiy conductive layer 9, independently from each other, may comprise or consist of a metallic materia!, especially an electrically conductive metallic material, in particular silver, gold, platinum, aluminum and/or copper, in particular gold and/or platinum. It is also possible if the first eiectrically conductive layer 8 and the second electrically conductive Iayer 9, independently from each other, may comprise or consist of preferably polymeric ionomers, especially a mixture of at least two preferably ionomeric polymers, in particular PEDOT : PSS [poiy(3,4-ethylenedioxy~ thiophene) : po!y{styrenesulfonate)].

In a particular embodiment, the first electncaiiy conductive layer 8 and the second electrically conductive Iayer 9, independently from each other, comprise(s) or consist(s) of metal oxides, especially doped metal oxides, in particular metal doped metal oxides, preferably indium doped metal oxides, more preferably indium-tin oxide (ITO).

Usually, the first electrically conductive layer 6 and the second eiectrically conductive layer 9, independently from each other, may exhibit a layer thickness in the range from 1 nm to 1 ,000 nm, especially in the range from 2 nm to 500 nm, in particular in the range from 5 nm to 400 nm, preferably in the range from 10 nm to 300 nm.

According to a typical embodiment, the first electrically conductive layer 6 and the second electrically conductive layer 9, independently from each other, may exhibit an electrical resistance in the range from 0.01 Ω/cm² to 100 Ω/cm², especially in the range from 0.1 Ω/cm² to 75 Ω/cm², in particular in the range from 0.5 Ω/cm² to 50 Ω/cm², preferably in the range from 1 Q/cm² to 25 Q/cm², more preferably in the range from 5 Ω/cm² to 10 Q/cm².

Apart from this, the first electrically conductive layer 6 and the second electrically conductive layer 9, independently from each other, may be transparent. Furthermore, the first electrically conductive Sayer 6 and the second electrically conductive layer 9, independently from each other, may be flexible and/or pliable.

In general and not being bound to this specific theory and/or definition, the son reserve and/or ion storage layer 7 according to the invention serves as a charge balancing source for the redox-reaction occurring during the intercalation of ions into the electrochromic material by storing ions from or releasing ions into the electrolyte when an electrical voltage is applied. According to the invention, a minima! color changing material (MCCP) 7 is preferabiy used which in particular shows oniy minima! coloring and/or color changes upon the siorage and release of ions especiai!y in order to not overcolor the color change of the electrochemical materiai 10, Preferably, the minimal colo changing materia! {MGCP} 7 should exhibit a low redox potential and minimal color saturation in both the neutral and the oxidized state.

After the coating of the minimal coior changing materia! ( CCP) 7 onto the conductive layer 8 on the substrate 5, the obtained iayer structure may be used as the counter electrode according to the invention.

Details concerning the synthesis of the minima! co!or changing polymer (MCCP) used according to the invention are described in £. Knott, M. R. Craig, D. Liu, A, L Dyer, J. R. Reynolds (2012) "A minimally coloured dioxypyrrole polymer as a counter electrode material in polymeric electroc romic window devices" in: J. Mater. Chem. 22, 4953 - 4962.

Wit respect to the design of the ion reserve and/or ion storage iayer 7, such ion reserve and/or ion storage !ayer 7 usually comprises or consists of an ion- storing material, especially an ion-intercalating material, in particular for the storage, especially intercalation, of ions of the electrolyte defined above, preferably for the storage, especially intercalation, of cations of the electrolyte, especially lithium, sodium and/or potassium, more preferabiy lithium. The ion-storing material, especially the ion-intercalating material, may be selected from the group consisting of organic polymers and inorganic metal oxides, preferably organic polymers.

Preferably, the Ion-storing materia! may be an organic polymer, especially a minimal color changing polymer (MGCP).

Particularly, the organic polymer, especially the minimal color changing polymer (MGCP), may be based on a polypyrrol, especiaily a poly(dioxypyrrol), in particular a poiy(aSkyienedioxypyrrol), preferably a poly(propylenedioxypyrrol).

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer 7 may comprise or consist of a polypyrrol, especially a poly dioxypyrrol), in particular a poSyiaiky!enedioxypyrroi), preferabl a pofy(propylenedioxypyrrol).

Alternatively, the ion-storing material may also be an inorganic metal oxide, which may be especiaily selected from the group consisting of nickel oxides, cobalt oxides and rhodium oxides.

Generally, the ion reserv and/or ion storage layer 7 may exhibit a layer thickness in the range from 0.1 nm to 1 ,000 nm, especially in the range from 0.5 nm to 500 nm, in particular in the range from 1 nm to 200 nm, preferabl in the range from 1.5 nm to 100 nm, more preferably in the range from 2 nm to 50 nm, tn general, the eiectrocliromic material layer 10 according to the invention serves as a transparency and/or color switching layer, especially owing to the specific properties of the eiectrochromic material tn this context and without being tied to this theory, the eiectrochromic material reverslbly changes its electro- optic properties, i.e. its light transmittance and/or reflectance and therefore preferably also its color, upon electrochemical oxidation or reduction as a censequence of applying an electric potential across the eiectrochromic material. Also without wishing to be tied to this theory, the oxidation of the eiectrochromic material layer may lead to the insertion of counter anions from the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer through the ion-conducting electrolyte into the eiectrochromic material whereas the reduction of the eiectrochromic material may lead to the insertion of counter cations into the eiectrochromic material. The insertion and/or intercalation of the anions or cations lead to a doping of the eiectrochromic material which in turn alters the electronic properties of the material and therefore leads to a change in the color of the eiectrochromic material Without wishing to be tied to this theory, the change in the electro-optical properties of the eiectrochromic material used according to the invention is especially provided by the use of a material comprising conjugated doubie-bonds, in particular a alternating sequence of single and double bonds. Within this con- jugated systems, without wishing to be tied to this theory, the p-orfottals which are forming the respective double bond can overlap with the p-orbitals which are forming the subsequent double bond. This overlap results in the impossibility to specifically locate the single π-bonds within this conjugated systems thus leading to a deiocalized π-eiectron. system. Preferably, the π-bonds are deiocaS- ized over the whole length of the e!ectrochromic material used according to the invention, thus leading to a quasi one or more-dimensional electronic system from which the color changing properties upon oxidation and reduction are resulting.

According to the invention, the electrochromic material fiim 10 is preferably deposited on the conductive layer 8, 9 by coating methods known per se to the person skilled in the art. For example, spray coating, roller coating or brush coating or the like can be applied to coat the electrochromic materia! film 10 onto the conductive laye 9.

For further detail, reference is made to R Mortimer (2011) "Electrochromic Materials" in: Annual Review of Materials Research 41, 241-268; A. L. Dyer (2007) "Conjugated Polymer Electrochromic and Light-Emitting Devices" in Ph.D. Thesis, University of Florida, Gainesville; E. Unur (2008) "Application of Conjugated Polymers to Multi-Electrode Electrochromic Devices" in: Ph.D. Thesis, University of Florida, Gainesville; A. A. Argun, A. Cirpan, J. R Reynolds (2003) "The First Truly Alt-Polymer Electrochromic Devices" in: Advanced Materials 15, 1338 - 1341; 2. W , Z. Chert, X, Du, J. M. Logan, J. Sippet, . Nikotou, K. Karmras, J. R Reynolds.. O. S, Tanner, A. F. Hebard, A. G, Rinzler (2004) " Transparent conductive carbon nanotube films" in; Science 305, 1273 - 1276 and N. D, Robinson, M. Berggren {2007} in: Handbook of Conducting Polymers, third ed., Eds,: T. A. Skotheim, J, R Reynolds, CRC Press: Boca Raton, Florida, Chapter 1.

After the coating of the eiectrochromic materia! 10 onto the conductive layer 9 on the substrate 8, the obtained layer structure may be used as the working eiectrode according to the invention.

Details concerning the synthesis of eiectrochromic materials can also be found in P. Shi (2011) "Synthetic Control of Light Absorption in Conjugated Polymers" in: Ph.D. Thesis, University of Florida, Gainesvitte.

Wit respect to the eiectrochromic material 10, the eiectrochromic materia! layer 10 may comprise or consist of an organic eiectrochromic materia! and/or an inorganic eiectrochromic material, preferably an organic eiectrochromic material.

Such organic eiectrochromic material may be selected from the group consisting of (i) conjugated eiectrochromic polymers (ECP), especially po!ythiophenes and derivatives thereof, poiypyrroies and derivatives thereof, poiyan!!ines and derivatives thereof; (ii) vioiogens; (Hi) metalio-po!ymers: (iv) metallo- phthaiocya nes; v) and combinations thereof; preferably conjugated electro- chromic polymers (ECP).

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the eiec- frochromic material layer 10 may also comprise or consist of a conjugated eiec- trochromic polymer (ECP), Especially, the conjugated electrochromic polymer (ECP) may be selected from the group consisting of po!ythiophene (FT), poiy(3,4-ethyiene dioxythiophene) {PEDOT}, poly{3-aikyi thiophene) (PAT), pofy{3,4-propylendloxythiophene) (PProDOT) and poiy(3,4-ethyienedioxy- pyrrole) (PEDOP), especially poiy{3,4-ethyier»e dioxythiophene) (PEDOT). in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic electrochromic material may be selected from the group consisting of metal oxy- hafides, sulfides, tungstates, molybdates, stannates, vanadates, chromates, titanates, selenides and teilurides.

Apart form this, the electrochromic material layer 10 may exhibit a layer thickness in the range from 0.1 nm to 1 ,000 nm, especially in the range from 0.5 nm to 500 nm, in particular in the range from 1 nm to 200 nm, preferably in the range from 1 .5 nm to 100 nm, more preferably in the range from 2 nm to 50 nm.

According to the present invention, its is preferred if the eiectrochromic materia! layer 10 is flexible and/or pliable. As shown in the figures, the first part 3 may also comprise a preferabiy removabie first covering and/or protective layer 12, especially a first release liner.

Usua!ly, the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer 12, especially the first release liner, may comprise or consist of a flexible paper or organic polymer. Alternatively, the preferabiy removabie first covering and/or protective layer 12, especially the organic polymer of the first release finer, may comprise o consist of polyesters, po!ypropy!enes and poiyethylenes. According to a usual embodiment, the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer 12, especially the first release iiner, exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 5 μηι to 800 μΐη, especiaiiy in the range from 30 μηη to 400 μπι, in particular in the range from 10 μηι to 250 pm, especially from 50 μηι to 250 μ.Γπ. Additionally; the preferabiy removable first covering and/or protective layer 12, especially the first release liner, may exhibit UV-protective properties and/or oxygen-protective properties.

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the first part 3 may also comprise a preferably removabie first covering and/or protective layer 12, especially a first release Iiner. Especiaiiy, the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer 12, especiaiiy the first release liner, may be associated to the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer 7; it is even preferred if the preferably removabie first covering and/or protective layer 12, especiaiiy the first release !iner, is in contact with and/or attached to the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer 7.

In accordance with another particular embodiment of the present invention, the first part 3 may also comprise a preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer 1 , especially a first release liner, wherein the preferably removable first covering and/o protective layer 12, especially the first release liner, is associated to the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , and/or wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer 1 , especially the first release liner, is in contact with and/or attached to the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11. in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer 12, especially the first re- lease liner, is coated especially on the side associated

attached to the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 with a low surface energy compound, wherein the low surface energy compound may be based on siloxanes, stianes and/or silicones, especially siloxanes, preferably poiysiioxanes, more preferably potydimethylsiloxane.

Further, the second part 4 may also comprise a preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer 13, especially a second release liner, wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer 13 might be an outermost layer of the second part 4.

Especially, the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer 13, especially the second release liner, may comprise or consist of a flexible paper or organic polymer and/or may comprise or consists of polyesters, poly- propyienes and poiyethylenes. The preferably removable second covering and/or protective Sayer 13, especially the second release liner, might exhibit a layer thickness in the range from 5 μιη to 600 pm, especially in the range from 30 μνη to 400 μητϊ, in particular in the range from 10 μητΐ to 250 μηι, especially from 50 μηΊ to 250 μιη. Additionally, the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer 13, especially the second release liner, may exhibit UV- protective properties and/or oxygen-protective properties.

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the second part 4 may also comprise a preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer 13, especially a second release liner, wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer 13, especially the second release liner, may be associated to the eiectrochromic material layer 10 and/or may be in contact with and/or attached to the eiectrochromic materia! layer 10.

In accordance with yet another particular embodiment of the present invention, the second part 4 may also comprise a preferably removable second covering and/or protective iayer 13, especially a second release liner, wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer 13, especially the second release liner, may be associated to the electrically conductive adhesive Iayer 11 ' and/or may be in contact with and/or attached to the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 V,

The preferably removable second covering and/or protective iaye 13, especially the second release liner, may be coated, especially on the side associated and/or attached to the electrically conductive adhesive Iayer , with a low surface energy compound, wherein the low surface energy compound may be based on siloxanes, silanes and/or silicones, especially siloxanes, preferably polysiioxanes, more preferably polydimethyisiioxane.

The first part 3 may also comprise a further adhesive layer 14. Especially, the further adhesive layer 14 may be associated to the support iayer 5, preferably on the side of the support layer 5, which is opposite to the first eiectricaiiy conductive layer 8. Particularly, the further adhesive iayer 14 may be an outermost layer of the first part 3.

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the further adhesive iayer 14 is self-adhesive. Especially, the further adhesive layer 14 may comprise at least one self-adhesive component, especially at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) may be especially selected from the group consisting of po!yacryiates, polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl acetates, polyalkylene oxides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl ethers, butyl rubbers, silicone rubbers, poiysi!oxanes, siloxane copolymers, styrene block copolymers and combinations thereof.

The further adhesive layer 14 may be transparent. Furthermore, the further adhesive layer 14 exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 0.01 pm to 1 ,000 pm, especially in the range from 0.5 pm to 750 pm, in particular in the range from 1 pm to 500 pm, preferably in the range from 5 pm to 100 pm.

According to the present invention, the further adhesive layer 14 may be covered, especially on the side which is opposite to the first substrate layer 5, with a preferably removable further covering layer and/or protective layer 15, especially a further release liner, wherein the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer 15, especially the further release liner, may be associated and/or attached to the further adhesive layer 14 and/or may be in contact with and/o attached to the further adhesive layer 14, The preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer 15 may be an outermosi layer of the first part 3. in general, the transparent adhesive layer 14 according to the invention serves as an adhesive layer in order to attach and/or adhere the eiectrochromic device to an essentially planar object, especially a window or the like. The adhesive iayer is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer which is permanently tacky at room temperature and firmly adheres to surfaces upon mere contact between the adhesive layer and the surface without the application of any activation process, tn accordance with a specific embodiment of the present invention, the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer 15, especiaiiy the further release liner, may comprise or consist of a flexible paper or organic polyme and/or may comprise or consist of polyesters, polypropy!enes and poSy- eihylenes. Furthermore, the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer 15, especiaiiy the further releas liner, may exhibit a laye thickness in the range from 5 μηι to 800 μηι, especially in the range from 30 μπ\ to 400 μηχ in particular in the range from 10 μιη to 250 μπι, especially from 50 μηι to 250 μηι. Additionally, the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer 15, especially the further release liner, may exhibit UV-protective properties and/or oxygen-protective properties. Particularly, the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer 15, especially the further release liner, may b coated, especially on the side associated and/or attached to the further adhesive layer 14, with a low surface energy compound, wherein the low surface energy compound may be especially based on siloxanes, silanes and/or silicones, especially siloxanes, preferably poiysiloxanes, more preferably poiydimethyisiioxane. Additionally, the second part 4 may further comprise a conductive adhesive layer 16, especiaily a transparent conductive adhesive layer, wherein the conductive adhesive layer 16 may be positioned between the second electrically conductive layer 9 and the eiectrochromic material iayer 10 and/or may be associated and/or attached to the second electrically conductive Iayer 9, respectively.

Moreover, in accordance with another particular embodiment of the present invention, the second part 4 may comprise a conductive polymer layer 17, wherein the conductive polymer layer 17 may b positioned between the second electrically conduciive layer 9 and the eiectrochromic material Iayer 10 and/or may be associated and/or attached to the eiectrochromic material layer 10, respectively.

Usually, the first part 3 and/or the second part 4, independently from each other, may be flexible and/or pliable. This leads to an efficient applicability.

Furthermore, the first part 3 may exhibit a layer thickness in the range from 1 um to 1 ,000 μΐχι, especially in the range from 2 m to 800 μηι, preferably in the range from 3 μτη to 300 ,um, more preferably in the range from 4 μίη to 150 ,um, most preferably in the range from 5 um to 100 ητϊ, and/or the second part 4 may exhibit a layer thickness in the range from 1 um to ,000 ,um, especially in the range from 2 ,um to 600 μιτ¾, preferably in the range from 3 m to 300 μη\, more preferably in the range from 4 μ ι to 150 μηι, most preferably in the range from 5 μπϊ to 100 μίπ. in accordance with the present invention, the layers of the first part 3 and of the second part 4 are positioned in the respective part 3, 4 in the above-indicated order. Especially, the layers of the first part 3 and of the second part 4 are in eac part 3, 4 in contact with one another and/or attached to one another and or associated to one another in the above-indicated order.

As shown in the figures, in accordanc with a particular embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a kit 1 , especiaily as specified before, wherein the first part 3 comprises the iayers in the following order and/or wherein the layers of the first part 3 are associated to and/or in contact with and/or attached to one another in the following order:

optionally a removable covering layer 15;

optionally a further adhesive layer 14;

a first substrate layer 5;

a first electrically conductive layer 6;

an ion reserve and/or ion storage layer 7;

- optionally an electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 ;

optionaily a preferably removable covering layer 12. As also shown in the figures, accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a kit 1, especially as specified before, wherein the second part 4 comprises the layers in the following order and/or wherein the layers of the second part 4 are associated to and/or in contact with and/or attached to one another in the following order:

~ a second substrate layer 8,

a second electrically conductive layer 9;

optionally a conductive adhesive layer 16;

optionally a conductive polyme layer 17;

- an electrochromic materia! layer 10;

optionally an electrically conductive adhesive layer 11';

optionally a second preferably removable covering layer 13.

In accordance with the present invention, the kit 1 of the present invention may further comprise at least one sealing means 18, especially a sealing tape, in particular a self-adhesive sealing tape, preferably for sealing at least one edge of the first part 3 and/or of the second part 4, preferabiy of the part 3, 4 which exhibits the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 11', more preferabiy of the first part 3,

Especially, the sealing means 18 may comprise or consist of polyesters. Furthermore, the sealing means 18 may exhibit a layer thickness in the range from 50 nm to 1,000 nm, especially in the range from 75 nm to 500 nm, in particular in the range from 100 nm to 200 nm. Particularly, the sealing means 18 may have the form of a tape. Furthermore, the sealing means 18 may have a width in the range from 1 mm to 30 mm, especially in the range from 2 mm to 20 mm, in particular in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm. Preferably, one side of the sealing means 18 is adhesive, especially self-adhesive. Additionally, the sealing means 18 may be flexible and/or pliable.

Finally, the kit 1 may further comprise at least one contact electrode, especially in the form of a metallic tape, in particular a copper tape, especially for application onto the first part 3, preferably for application onto the electrically conductive layer 6 of the first part 3. In particular, the kit 1 may further comprise at least one contact electrode, especially in the form of a metallic tape, in particular a copper tape, especially for application onto the second part 4, preferably for application onto the electrically conductive layer 8 of the second pari 4.

Furthermore, according to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a meihod for the producing a kit 1 as defined before, wherein the method comprises:

(a) a first step of providing a first part 3, the first part 3 comprising:

- a first substrate layer 5,

a first electrically conductive layer 6 associated to the first substrate layer 5, an son reserve and/or ion storage layer 7 associated to the first electrical iy conductive layer 6; and

(b) a second step of providing a second part 4, the second part 4 comprising ~ a second substrate Iayer 8,

- a second electrically conductive Iayer 9 associated to the second substrate layer 8,

an electrochromic material Iayer 10 associated to the second electrically conductive layer 8.

According to the method of the present invention, the first part 3 and/or the second part 4 may be further provided with at least one electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 , 11 ^s. Especially, the electrically conductive adhesive iayer 11 may be attached and/or adhered to the ion reserve and/or ion storage Iayer 7 of the first part 3 or the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11' may foe attached and/or adhered to the electrochromic material iayer 10 of the second part 4.

Wit respect to the production of the ion reserve and/or ion storage Iayer 7 of the first part 3 and the electrochromic material layer 10 of the second part 4, the respective materials, i.e. especially MGCP and ECP, independently from each other, may be applied via coating methods, especially wet coating methods with subsequent drying, in this context, CCP and ECP, independently from each other, may be dissolved in an organic solvent, especially toluene, in particular in amounts in the range from 0.1 mg/mi to 10 mg/mi, preferably in the range from 1 mg/ml to 5 mg/mi.

In this regard, the applicant has surprisingly found that especially homogeneous layers (uniform thickness) may be obtained, if a further additive, especially organic solvent is used. Preferably, at least one ether of polyhydric alcohols, especially alkylene glycol ethers may be used. Particularly good results are achieved, if the additive is selected from the group consisting of tri ropylene glycol methyl ether (TPM), dipropyfene glycol methyl ether (DPM) and propylene glycol methyl ether (PM).

Furthermore, according to the method of the present invention, the first part 3 may be further provided with a preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer 12. Especially, he preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer 12 may be attached and/or adhered to the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1 or to the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer 7 of the fsrst part 3. Furthermore, the preferabiy removable covering and/or protection layer 12 may be an outermost layer of the first part 3.

Furthermore, the first part 3 may be further provided with a further adhesive layer 14 and/or a preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer 15, Especially, the adhesive layer 14 may be attached and/or adhered to the side of the first substrate layer 5, which is opposite to the first electrically con- ductive Sayer 8. Especially, the preferably removabie further covering and/or protective Sayer 15 may be attached and/or adhered to the side of the adhesive layer 14, which is opposite to the first substrate layer 5, Furthermore, the preferably removabie further covering and/or protective layer 15 may be an outermost layer of the first pari 3.

According to the method of the present invention, the second part 3 is further provided with a preferably removable covering and/or protective layer 13, wherein the preferably removable covering and/or protective layer 13 may be attached and/or adhered to the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1 ' or to the eiectrochromic materia! Sayer 10 of the second part 4. Further, the preferably removable covering and/or protective Sayer 13 may be an outermost layer of the second part 4,

Moreover, according to the inventive method, the second part 3 may be further provided with a conductive adhesive layer 18 and/or with a conductive polymer layer 17, wherein the conductive adhesive layer 18 may be attached and/or adhered to the second electrical Sy conductive layer 9 and/or wherein the conductive polymer layer 17 may be attached and/or adhered to the conductive adhesive layer 16, on the one hand, and to the eiectrochromic material Sayer 10, on the other hand. In general, the layers of each part 3, 4 may be attached and/or adhered to one another by lamination methods and/or coating methods, especially roller coating, brus : coating and/or spray coating or the like.

According fo yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing an ejectrochromic device 2, especially a self-adhesive eSectrochromic device, particularly for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object 19, wherein the method comprises;

(a) a first step of using a kit 1 as defined in any of the preceding claims, the kit 1 comprising a first part 3 and a second part 4 and as defined in any of the preceding claims; and

(b) a second step of combining the first part 3 and the second part 4 for providing the eiectrochromic device 2,

According to this method, the first part 3 may comprise a first electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 associated to the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer 7. Further, the first part 3 may comprise a preferably removable first covering and/or protection layer 12, espectaliy a first release liner, wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protection layer 12 may cover and/or be associated to the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11. Especially, the preferably removable first covering and/or protection layer 12, especially the first retease liner, may be removed and/or released from the first part 3, especially from the electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1, in particular prior to combination of the first part 3 and the second part 4.

Usually, the edge{s) of the first part 3 and/or the second part 4, especially of the first part 3, ma be sealed.

According to a typical embodiment, at least one sealing means 18, especially a sealing tape, preferably a self-adhesive sealing tape, may be used. Especially, the sealing means 18 is associated and/or adhered to the first part 3 and/or the second part 4, preferably to the first part 3, especially by partially encompassing the outermost layers of the respective part 3, 4 including edge(s), in particular in a U-shaped manner.

Furthermore, at least one contact electrode, especially in the form of a metallic tape, in particular a copper tape, is especially applied onto the first part 3, preferably onto the electrically conductive layer 8 of the first part 3 and/or at least one contact electrode is electrically connected to the first part 3, preferably the electrically conductive layer 6, and/or at least one contact electrode, especially in the form of a metallic tape, in particular a copper tape, is especially applied onto the second part 4, preferably onto the electrically conductive layer S of the second pari 4 and/or at least one contact electrode is electrically connected to the second part 4, preferably the electrically conductive layer 8.

In accordance with this method of the present invention, the second part 4 may comprise a preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer 13, especially a second release layer, associated io the electrochromic material layer 10.

According to a pariicuiar embodiment of the inventive method, the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer 13, especially the second release liner, may be removed and/or released from the second part 4, especially from the electrochromic material layer 10, in particular prior to combination of the first part 3 and the second part 4.

Generally, the first pari 3 and the second part 4 are combined by attaching and/or adhering the first part 3 and the second part 4 to one another, especially by laminating the first part 3 onto the second part 4 or vice versa, preferably by attaching and/or adhering the electrochromic material layer 10 of the second part 4 onto the electrolytic adhesive layer 1 1 of the first pari 3.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided an electrochromic device 2, especially a self-adhesive electrochromic device, particularly for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object 19, wherein the eiectrochromic device 2 is obtainable by the inventive method as described in detail before.

According to this specific aspect of the present invention, there Is provided an electrochromic device 2, especiaiiy a self-adhesiv electrochromic device, preferably for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object 19, wherein the electrochromic device 2 comprises a first part 3 and a second part 4, each as defined above, especially wherein the first part 3 and the second part 4 are combined, especiaiiy are attached and/or adhered to one another.

According to this specific aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to an electrochromic device 2, especiaiiy a self-adhesive electrochromic device, in particular as defined before, preferably for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object 19, wherein the electrochromic device 2 comprises the layers especiaiiy of the first part 3 as defined before and especiaiiy of the second part 4 as defined before in the following order:

optionally a preferably removable covering layer 15;

optionally a further adhesive layer 14;

a first substrate layer 5;

a first electrically conductive layer 6;

an ion reserve and/or ion storage layer 7; at least one electrically conductive adhesive layer 1 1 1 ';

an eiectrochromic materia! layer 10;

optionally a conductive polymer layer 17;

~ optionaliy a further conductive adhesive layer 16;

a second electrically conductive layer 9; and

~ a second substrate Iayer 8; wherein the layers are especially associated to and/or in with contact and/or attached to one another in the above-indicated order.

Especially, the eiectrochromic device 2 according to the present invention may further comprise an object 19, Especially, the eiectrochromic device 2 may be attached to and/or adhered to the object 19 via a further adhesive iayer 14. In particular, the object 19 may be associated to a further adhesive iayer 14 of the eiectrochromic device 2, Furthermore, a preferably removable covering and/o protective Iayer 15 may be removable from the eiectrochromic device 2.

The inventive eiectrochromic device 2 may a!so exhibit a plurality of second parts 4 associated, especially attached and/or adhered, to a single first part 3.

Especially, the eiectrochromic device 2 may exhibit an overall thickness in the range from 2 prii to 20 mm, especially in the range from 10 pm to 10 mm, in particular in the range from 15 m to 5 mm, preferably in the range from 20 prn to 2 mm, more preferably in the range from 50 pm to 1 mm, even more preferable in the range from 75 pro to 0,4 mm,

Particularly, the inventive eiectrochromic device 2 may be flexible and/or pliable.

The object 19 onto which the inventive eiectrochromic device 2 may be applied ma comprise or consist of a materia! selected from the group consisting of paper, plastic, glass, wood, stone, cement, metals and metal alloys.

Further, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, the present invention refers to the use of the inventive kit 1 as defined before for producing an eiectrochromic device 2, especially a self-adhesive eiectrochromic device, particularly for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object 1 . According to this aspect of the present invention, the first part 3 and the second part 4 of the kit are combined, especially are attached and/or adhered to one another.

Finally, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, the present invention refers to the use of a above-defined first part 3 and/or of an above- defined second part 4 for producing an eiectrochromic device 2, especially a self-adhesive eiectrochromic device, particuiariy for application and/or adhesion onto an at Ieast essentially planar surface of an object 19, wherein the first part 3 and the second part 4 of the kit are combined, especially attached and/or adhered to one another.

Further elaborations, modifications and variations of the present invention will become mutuaiiy apparent to and realizable by the ordinarily skilled in the art on reading the description without their having to go outside the realm of the present invention.

The present invention is illustrated by the following exemplary embodiments, which, however, shall in no way limit the present invention.

EXAMPLES:

In the following, the production of the inventive kit as well as the production of an electrochromic device (ECD) in the sense of the ciaimed invention on the basis of the inventive kit are described in detail; a) Production of the inventive kit comprising a first part and a second part: aa) Production of the first part:

1. A first substrate layer having a first electrically conductive layer is provided in the form of a flexible substrate with an electrically conductive surface, in this context, an indium doped tin oxide (ITO)- coated piece of polyester with a resistance of 5 to 10 Ω/cm² and a thickness of 50 to 125 pm is provided.

2, Furthermore, an ion reserve and/or ion storage layer is applied onto the ITO-iayer of the flexible substrate. In this context, a minimally colored dioxypyrroS in the form of a minima! color changing polymer ( CCP) is used as an polymer with optimized properties for deposition on the above-described flexible substrate to form the counter- electrode. In this context, MCCP exhibits a low redox potentiai and minima! color saturation with respect to both the neutral and the oxidized state and, furthermore, also serves as an effective charge- balancing materia!. The ion reserve and/or ion storage layer is ap~ plied by using roller or brush or spray coating methods, especially with subsequent drying. In this way, a dry film is obtained having a thickness between 0,002 pm to 0.02 pm.

Furthermore, an electrically conductive adhesive layer on the basis of a self-adhesive electrolytic layer for the transport of charges, especially ions, is applied onto the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer. Especially, an electrically conductive and/or electrolytic pressure-sensitive adhesive is used. Preferably, the electrolytic pressure-sensitive adhesive is transparent in the desired wavelength. Furthermore, the used electrolytic pressure-sensitive adhesive should allow ions to move freely in the electrically conductive adhesive layer, especially for integration into and/or desintegration from the electrochromic material. Furthermore, a chemically stable electrolytic pressure-sensiiive adhesive is preferably used, which is chemically stable to prevent unwanted chemical reactions. Moreover, the used electrolytic pressure-sensitive adhesive is preferably electrochemicalSy stable with regard to a broad range of voltages. The electronically conductive adhesive layer produced in this way has a thickness of between 1 pm to 50 pm.

In a next step, a preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer, especially a removable release liner, is applied onto the surface of the electrically conductive adhesive layer facing away from the ion reserve and/or son storage layer, in this context, a removable liner comprising art oxygen and UV-barrier polymer and coated with a low surface energy layer is used. The presence of the removable release liner allows protection and storage of the resulting flexible redox device, especially the first part, for a long period of time. As delineated hereinafter, the removable release iiner is then removed from the first part before combination of the first part with the second part in order to provide the inventive electrochromic device. In this context, also at least one contact electrode may be placed onto the first part, especially onto the electrically conductive layer. Especially, a contact electrod may be placed after removing the removable release Iiner and prior to lamination. ab) Furthermore, a second part is produced by performing the following steps;

1. A second substrate layer having a second electrically conductive layer associated thereto is provided in the form of a flexible substrate with an electrically conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) coating. In this context, an ITO-coated piece of polyester with a resistance of 5 to 10 0/cm²and with a thickness of 50 to 125 pm is used.

2, In a next step, an electrochromic material layer is associated to the !TO-surface on the flexible substrate. In this context, a conjugated electrochromic polymer (ECP) (e.g. commercially available from BASF Company, Germany) and/or a redox polymer and/or a resin is used. The respective components may be applied via roller or brush or spray coating, especially followed by subsequent drying. In this way, a dry ECP-film is obtained having a thickness between 0,002 pm to 0,02 pm.

Furthermore, a preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer in the form of a removable barrier io oxygen and UV~ protection, which is removable for lamination of the first part and the second part, is applied onto the electrocbromic materia! layer. The presence of the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer allows protection and storage also of the second part in the form of a flexible redox device for a long period of time. ac) Further layers of the first part:

The aforedescrtbed first part may be provided with further layers on the side of the first substrate Iayer facing away from the first electrically conductive iayer. Thus, the side of the first substrate layer which is opposite to the layers applied onto the other side of the substrate (i.e. the side opposite to the first electrically conductive layer, the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer as well as the electrically conductive adhesive Iayer) is provided with further layers as delineated hereinafter: A further adhesive layer in the form of a transparent pressure- sensitive adhesive is applied onto the surface of the first substrate layer. In this context, an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive is preferred, especially due to its transparency and clarity. Examples of such adhesives are as follows wherein the adhesives are designated by their respective trademarks; Soiucryi^® Durotak®, Ge!va® types of adhesives commercially available from Henkei; Aroset^® types commercially available from Ashland, Acronal^® types commercially available from BASF Company, orstik^® types from The Dow Chemical Company. Furthermore, piasticizers, crosslinkers or UV-absorbers may be added to the adhesives in orde to modify the characteristics of the respective adhesives. The respective additives and their respective use are well known to the person skiiied in the art. The resulting Iayer has a thickness of between 1 pm and 50 μπι.

Finally, a preferably removable covering iayer is applied onto the further transparent pressure-sensitive adhesive layer as described in the above item 1. }. Especially, a removable release liner coated with a Sow surface energy layer is adhered to the adhesive Iayer applied onto the surface of the first substrate. The removable release liner may be composed of a flexible sheet comprising or consisting of paper, plastic, like polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene and the like, wherein preferably a plastic film is used. The removable liner is preferably coated with a low surface energy layer on the side to be applied onto the further adhesive layer. The low surface energy layer is in general a cross-linked polydimethylsiloxane to which the adhesion of the pressure-sensitiv adhesive is low in order to allow for an easy removal of the release liner, in genera!, the release liner may have a thickness in the range from 12 to 150 prn, including the low surface energy layer.

Further annotations concerning the production of the first and second part:

- With respect to the application and/or production of the eSectrochrom c material layer and the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer, the respective electrochromic polymers (ECPs) and minimal color changing polymers (MCCPs) are each dissolved in an organic solvent, especially toluene. Typically, the respective polymers may be dissolved such that the concentration of the resulting solution is about 2 mg polymer/ml soiyent. It is further possible to filter the solution, e.g. with a Scientific Tisch 0.45 micron PTFE Filter, after essentially at least complete dissolution of the polymer. In this way, a solution of the respective polymer is obtained for application and subsequent drying on the respective layer of the first and second part of the kit. In general, especially with regard to the elecirochromic material layer and/or the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer, deposition is carried out onto an indium tin oxide (iTO)-coated piece of polyester with a resistance of 5 to 10 Q/cm² by using roller coating methods, especially using a commercially available roller coating device. The siz of the substrate layer, especially the polyester, and the polymer area varies depending on the desired size of the resulting parts and/or the resulting elecirochromic device. After applying a wet layer of the abovedescribed solutions with a thickness between 2 to 5 pm, especially 2 to 6 pm, the resulting film is dried at a temperature in the range from 60 °C to 80 °C within a few minutes in order to obtain a dry film having a thickness in the range from 0,002 pm to 0.02 pm.

Furthermore, in order to obtain a uniform layer, an ether of poiyhydric alcohols, especiall propylene glycol ethers, may be added to the ECP/ CCP- and CCP/toiuene-so!utions. Especially, the propylene glycol ethers are selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether (TPM), dipropyiene glycol methyl ether (DPM), and proplyiene glycol methyl ether (PM). The resulting solution may comprise the ether of poiyhydric alcohols in a range between 0.5 % by weight to 10 % by weight preferably in the range from 2.5 % by weight to 7,5 % by weight, based on the resulting solution. With respect to the electrically conductive adhesive iayer, the electrolytic adhesive may be prepared by the following method: First of all, a solution of a lithium compound, especially lithium trifluoromethanesul- fonate (lithiumtriflate) is prepared by diluting about 12.8 g of lithiumtri- fiate with 40.5 g of butyl acetate. 19.65 g of this dilution is then added to about 140.2 g of an acrylic based adhesive formulation, especially commercially available under the trademark MP500^®. The acrylic based adhesive formulation may comprise about 36.9 % by weight of active material diluted in 83,1 % by weight of an appropriate solvent mixture to solubilize the active materials. In this context, toluene, hexane, butyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol may b used as the respective solvent mixture. Thus, the resulting composition may comprise about 4.88 g lithiumtriflate and about 51.73 g of pressure-sensitive adhesive. Thus, the ratio of the active ingredients lithium trif!ate/pressure-sensitive adhesive may b about 9 %, The resulting electrolytic adhesive solution is coated onto a piece of presiiiconized liner and allowed to dry at room temperature for about 4 hours. Crosslirsking and evaporation of the remaining solvents are ensured by heating the coated presiiiconized liner in an oven at about 105 °C for about 90 s. The resulting electrolytic adhesive coated onto the siliconized film or paper is then laminated onto the ion reserve and/or son storage Iayer or onto the electrochromic material layer. The siliconized film or paper may then be removed and the re- spective ECP~ or MCCP-poiymer film may then be iaminated to the first part or second part of the inventive kit, respectively . in general, the first part and the second part of the inventive kit as well as the resulting electrochromic devices are fabricated at room temperature (20 °C) under atmospheric conditions (1.013 bar). The polymer area of the ivlCCP- and/or ECP-pclymer may first be bordered by a few millimeters of sealing means, especially a sealing tape, in this context, a transparent commercially available tape may be used. The seaiing tape snail encompass the outermost layers of the respective parts in a U-shaped manner in order to provide complete edge protection. Especially, the sealing tape is used in order to avoid electrical short-circuits.

Production of an electrochromic device (ECD) using an inventive kit comprising: a first part and a second part; in order to place an electrochromic device onto an object, the size and/or dimensions of the object to be covered with the device is measured.

Then, the first part and the second part of the kit may be cut to the determined size and/or dimension.

In a next step, the release liner of the first part of the kit is removed and the edges of the first part are sealed with a seaiing tape having a width of about 5 mm in order to avoid short-circuits originating from non-covered edges. The application of the sealing tape also allows to operate the resulting device with Sow voltages and/or low currents. Additionally, a respective contact electrode i the form of a copper tape is placed onto the first part.

Afterwards, the release liner of the second part is removed and a respective contact electrode in the form of a copper tape is placed onto the second part.

The second part is laminated onto the first part by using a conventional laminating device, resulting in an electrochromic device.

Then, the remaining release liner of the electrochromic device which belongs to the first pari and which is attached to the adhesive layer of the surface of the substrate opposed to the eiectrically conductive iayer is removed and the electrochromic device is then placed, especially adhered, on the object with the remaining adhesive surface.

After connection to an electrical device, especially eiectricai controller, the electrochromic device placed on the object is ready for use.

List of Reference Numbers in the Figures

1 = kit

2 = etectroehromic device

3 « first part

4 = second part

5 = first substrate iayer

6 = first electrically conductive layer

7 = son reserve and/or ion storage iayer

8 « second substrate iayer

9 = second electrically conductive layer

10 = eiectrochromic materia! layer

11 - electricaiiy conductive adhesive layer

1 f = electrically conductive adhesive Iayer

12 = preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer

13 = preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer

14 = adhesive layer

15 = preferably removable further covering layer and/or protective layer

16 * conductive adhesive Iayer

17 = conductive polymer layer

18 - sealing means

19 = object

Claims

Claims:

A kit (1) for providing an efectrochromic device (2), especially a self- adhesive eiectrochformc device, particularly for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object (19), wherein the kit (1) comprises at least a first part (3) and a second part (4); wherein the first part (3) comprises:

- a first substrate layer (5),

- a first electrically conductive layer (8) associated to the first substrate layer (5),

- am ion reserve and/or ion storage layer (7) associated to the first electrically conductive layer (6); and wherein the second part (4) comprises:

- a second substrate layer (8),

- a second electrically conductive layer (9) associated to the second substrate layer (8),

- am eiectrochromic material layer (10) associated to the second electrically conductive layer (8),

2. The kit according to Claim 1 _« wherein the first part (3) and/or the second part (4) further comprises at least one electrically conductive adhesiv layer {11 , 11 ') and/or wherein at least the first part (3) further comprises at least one electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 ).

The kit according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part (3) comprises at least one electrically conductive adhesive iayer (11 ), especially wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 ) is associated to the Ion reserve and/or ion storage layer (7) and/or especially wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 } is an outermost iayer of the first part (3).

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (4) comprises at least one electrically conductive adhesive layer (1 1'), especially wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 ') is associated to the electrochromic materia! layer (10) and/or especially wherein the electrically conductive adhesive Iayer (11 *) is an outermost iayer of the second part (4),

5. The kit according to any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 , 1 1 ') is an eiecfrolyte-containing adhesive Iayer, especially an ion-containing adhesive layer.

6. The kit according to any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (1 1 , 1 1^*) is self-adhesive and/or wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11, 11') is an electrolyte-containing self- adhesive layer, especially an ion-containing self-adhesive layer.

The kit according to any of Claims 2 to 8, wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11, 1 T) comprises at least one self-adhesive component, especially at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), in particular at least one electrolyte-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA), in particular at least one ion-containing pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA). The kit according to Claim 7, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is at least in part dispersible, especially at least in part sus- pendible, in water and/or wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive of the electrically conductive adhesive layer {11 , 11 ') is at least in part soluble in water and/or wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is solvent- based, especially wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is a solvent-based acrylic adhesive, and/or wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is an aqueous emulsion and/or wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is a solid.

The kit according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is selected from the grou consisting of acrylic ester copolymers, polyacrySates, polyvinyl acetales, polyvinyl acetates, polya!ky!ene oxides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl ethers, butyl rubbers, silicone rubbers, poly- siloxanes, siioxane copolymers, styrene biock copolymers and combinations thereof, especially acrylic ester copolymers, and/or wherein the pressyre-sensitive adhesive (PSA) further comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of plastieizers, cross!inkers, UV-adsorbers and com- binations thereof,

10. The kit according to any of Claims 7 to 9, wherein the electrically conductive adhesion iayer (1 1 , 11 ') comprises the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) in an amount in the range from 50 to 99 % by weight, especially in the range from 60 to 98 % by weight n particular in the range from 70 to

97 % by weight, preferabl in the range from 80 to 95 % by weight, based on the dry weight of the electrically conductive adhesive iayer (1 1 , 1 ').

11. The kit according to any of Claims 2 fo 10, wherein the electrically conduc- five adhesive layer (11 , 1 1 ') comprises at least one electrolyte.

12. The kit according to Claim 11 , wherein the pressyre-sensitive adhesive (PSA) of the eiectncally conductive adhesive Iayer (1 1 , 1 Γ) is at ieast in part dispersibie, especially at Ieast in part suspendibie, in the eiectroiyte and/or wherein the pressyre-sensitive adhesive (PSA) of the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 , 11 ') is at ieast in pari soluble in the electrolyte.

13. The kit according to C!aim 11 or 12, wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of (i) water-soluble electrolytes, especially aqueous electrolytes; (is) organically based electrolytes, especially liquid organic electrolytes; (iii) ionic liquids; (iv) solid polymeric electrolytes; (v) and combinations thereof.

14. The kit according to any of Claims 1 1 to 13, wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of alkali metai sails, earth alkali metal saits and combinations thereof, especially alkali metal saits.

10

15. The kit according to any of Claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of Iithium salts, sodium salts, potassium salts and combinations thereof, preferabl Iithium salts. i s 18, The kit according to any of Claims 11 to 5, wherein the cation of the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium, especially lithium.

17. The kit according to any of Claims 1 to 16, wherein the counter-ion or an- 20 ion of the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of (i) perforates; (ii) borates, especially fluoroborates, in particular ietrafluoroborates; (iii) phosphates, especially fiuorophosphates, in particular hexafluoro- phosphates; (iv) sulfonates, especially aikylsu!fonates, in particular fluoro- alkylsulfonates, preferably fiuoromethylsulfonates, most preferably trifluo- romethylsulfonate; (v) suSfonimides, especially bis(suifonyl)imides, in particular bisCaSkanesulfony imides, preferably bis(fluoroalkane~ suifonyS)irnides, more preferably bisCfluoromethanesuSfony iniides, most preferably bi5{trifluoromethartesulfonyl)imide; (vi) and combinations thereof.

The kit according to any of Claims 11 to 17, wherein the electrolyte is !ithi urn trifluoromethylsulfonate and/or lithium bis(trifiuoromethane sulfonyi)imide, especiaiiy lithium trifSuoromethylsuifonate.

The kit according to any of Claims 11 to 18, wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (1 1 , 11 ') comprises the eiectro!yte in an amount in the range from 1 to 50 % by weight, especially in the range from 2 to 40 % by weight, in particular in the range from 3 to 30 % by weight, preferably in the range from 5 to 20 % by weight, based on the dry weight of the electrically conductive adhesive layer (1 1 , 11').

The kit according to any of Claims 2 to 1 , wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (1 1 , 11 ') exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 0.01 pm to 1 ,000 pm, especiaiiy in the range from 0.1 pm to 500 pm, in particular in the range from 0,5 pm to 100 pm, preferably in the range from 1 pm to 50 pm. 21 , The kit according to any of Claims 2 to 20, wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 , 11 ^s) exhibits a fight transmittance in the range from 50 % to 100 %, especially in the range from 60 % to 99 %, in particular in the range from 70 % to 98 %, preferably in the range from 80 % to 95 %.

22, The kit according to any of Claims 2 to 21 , wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 , I T'} is at Ieast essentially in a solid state and/or wherein the electrically conductiv adhesive layer (1 1 , 1 1 ') is at least es- sentially unable to flow and/or wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer {11 , 11 ') exhibits at least essentially no flowability and/or wherein the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 , 1 1 ^') is flexible and/or pliable.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first substrate layer (5) and/or th second substrate layer (8), independently from each other, comprise(s) or is/are made of a material selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polycarbonates, polymethyi(meth)- acryiates (P A), polyethylene terephthalates and glass. 24, The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first substrate layer (5) and/or the second substrate layer (8), independently from each other, exhibits) a light transmittance in the range from 30 % to 100 %_t especially in the range from 40 % to 99 %, in particular in the range from 50 % to 98 %, preferably in the range from 60 % to 95 ,

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first substrate layer (5) and/or the second substrate layer (8), independently from each other, is/are colored and/or colorized.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first substrate layer (5) comprises or is made of a metallic materia!, especially an eiectricaliy conductive metallic material, especially aluminum and/or copper, especially wherein the first substrate layer (5) is at least esseniiaily opaque.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first substrate layer (5) and the first electrically conductive layer (6) form a single substrate layer (5'}, especially a single electrically conductive substrate layer (5'). and/or wherein both the first substrate layer (5) and the first electrically conductive layer (6) are replaced by a single substrate layer (5'), especially a single electrically conductive substrate layer (5'). 28, The kit according to Claim 27, wherein the single substrate layer (5') comprises or consists of a metallic material, especially an electrically conductive metallic material, especially silver, gold, platinum, aluminum and/or copper, in particular aluminum and/or copper, especially wherein the single substrate layer (5') is at least essentially opaque.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first substrate layer (5) and/or the second substrate layer (8) and/or the single substrate laye {5'), independently from each other, exhibits) a thickness in th range from 1 pm to 10 mm, especially in the range from 5 pm to 5 mm, in particular in the range from 10 pm to 2 mm, preferably in the range from 30 pm to 1 mm₅ more preferably in the range from 50 pm to 0.5 mm.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first substrate layer (5) and/or the second substrate layer (8) and/or the singie substrate layer (5^*), independently from each other, is/are flexible and/or pliable.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrically conductive layer (8) and the second electrically conductive layer (9), independently from each other, comprisefs) or consist(s) of a metallic material especially an electrically conductive metallic material, in particular silver, gold, platinum, aluminum and/or copper, in particular gold and/or platinum, and/or wherein the first electrically conductive layer (6) and the second electrically conductive layer (9), independently from each other, comprises) or consists) of preferably polymeric ionomers, especially a mixture of at least two preferably ionomeric polymers, in particufar PEDOT : PSS [poly(3,4-ethylenedjoxythiophene) : po!y(styrenesu!fonate)J.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrically conductive layer (6} and the second electrically conductive layer (9), independentiy from each other, comprises) or consist s) of metal oxides, especially doped metal oxides, in particular metal doped metal oxides, preferably indium doped metal oxides, more preferably indium-tin oxide (ITO).

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrically conductive layer (6) and the second electrically conductive layer (9), independentiy from each other, exhibit(s) a layer thickness in the range from 1 nm to 1 ,000 nm, especially in the range from 2 nm to 500 nm, in particular in the range from 5 nm to 400 nm, preferably in the range from 10 nm to 3Q0 nm.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrically conductive iayer (6) and the second electrically conductive layer (8), independently from each other, exhibits) an electrical resistance in the range from 0.01 O cm³ to 100 D/crrr\ especially in the range from 0,1 Q/cm² to 75 Ω/cm², in particular in the range from 0.5 Ω/cm² to 50 Ω/cm², preferably in the range from 1 Q/cm² to 25 Ω cm², more preferably in the range from 5 Q/cm² to 10 D/cm².

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrically conductive layer (6) and the second electrically conductive layer (9), independently from each other, is/are transparent and/or wherein the first electrically conductive layer (6) and the second electrically conductive layer (9), independently from each other, is/are flexible and/or pliable. 38. The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer (7) comprises or consists of an ion-storing material, especially an ion-intercalating material, in particular for the storage, especiaily intercalation, of ions of the electrolyte, especially as defined in any of Claims 11 to 19, preferably for the storage, especially intercalation, of cations of the electrolyte, especiaily lithium, sodium and/or potassium, more preferably lithium.

37. The kit according to Claim 36, wherein the ion-storing material, especially the ion-intercalating material, is selected from the group consisting of organic polymers and inorganic metal oxides, preferably organic polymers.

38. The kit according to Claim 36 or 37, wherein the ion-storing material is an organic polymer, especiaily a minimal color changing polymer (MGCP). The kit according to Claim 37 or 38, wherein the organic polymer, especiall the minimal coior changing polymer (MCCP), is based on a polypyr- rol, especially a pGlyCdioxypyrroS), in particular a poiyialkySenedioxypyrrof), preferably a poiy{propyfenedioxypyrrol}.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer (7) comprises or consists of a poiypyrro!, especially a poiy{dioxy yrrol), in particular a poly{aikySenedioxypyrroS), preferably a poly(propylenedioxypyrrof).

The kit according to Claim 38 or 37, wherein the ion-storing material is an inorganic metal oxide, especially wherein the inorganic metai oxide is selected from the group consisting of nickel oxides, cobalt oxides and rhodium oxides.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer (7) exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 0.1 nm to 1,000 nm, especially in the range from 0.5 rim to 500 nm, in particular in the range from 1 nm to 200 nm, preferably in the range from 1.5 nm to 100 nm, more preferably in the range from 2 nm to 50 nm.

43. The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electro- chromic materia! layer (10) comprises or consists of an organic electro- chromic material and/or an inorganic electrochromic material, preferably an organic electrochromic material.

44, The kit according to Claim 43, wherein the organic electrochromic material is selected from the group consisting of (i) conjugated electrochromic polymers {ECP}, especially po!ythiophenes and derivatives thereof, polypyr- roles and derivatives thereof, poiyaniiines and derivatives thereof; (it) vio- !ogens; (iii) metailo-polymers; (iv) metaifo-phthalocyanines; {v) and combinations thereof; preferably conjugated electrochromic polymers (ECP).

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrochromic materia! layer (10) comprises or consists of a conjugated electrochromic polymer (ECP), especially wherein the conjugated electrochromic polymer (ECP) is selected from the group consisting of po!ythiophene (PT), poSy(3,4-ethy!erie dioxythfophene) (PEDOT), poiy(3-alkyl ihiophene) (PAT), poly(3,4-propylendioxyth!Ophene) (PProDOT) and poly{3,4~ ethy!enedioxypyrro!e} (PEDOP), especially poly(3,4~ethylene dioxythio- phene) (PEDOT).

46. The kit according to Claim 43, wherein the inorganic electrochromic material is selected from the group consisting of metal oxyhalides, sulfides, tungsiaies, mo!ybdates, stannates, vanadates, chromates, titanates, seienides and tellursdes.

47, The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the eSectrc- chromic material layer (TO) exhibits a layer thickness in the range from

0,1 mm to 1 ,000 nm, especially in the range from 0.5 nm to 500 nm, in particular in the range from 1 nm to 200 n n, preferably in the range from 1.5 nm to 100 nm, more preferably in the range from 2 nm to 50 nm. 48. The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electro- chromic material layer (10) is flexible and/or pliable.

49. The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (3) also comprises a preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer (12), especially a first release liner.

50. The kit according to Claim 49, wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer (12), especially the first release liner, comprises or consists of a flexible paper or organic polymer and/or wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer (12), especially the organic polymer of the first release liner, comprises or consists of polyesters, poiypropyienes and poiyethylenes and/or wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer (12), especially the first release liner, exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 5 urn to 600 μηη, especially in the range from 30 μηι to 400 η in particular in the range from 10 μνη to 250 ,um, especially from 50 μηη to 250 ,um and/or wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer (12), especiaiiy the first release liner, exhibits UV-protectsve properties and/or oxygen-protective properties.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (3) also comprises a preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer (12), especially a first release liner, especiaiiy wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer (12), especiaiiy the first release liner, is associated to the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer (7), and/or wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer (12), especially the first release liner, is in contact with and/or attached to the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer (7).

The kit according to any of Claims 2 to 50, wherein the first part (3) also comprises a preferabl removabl first covering and/or protective layer (12), especially a first release liner, especially wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer (1 ), especially the first release liner, is associated to the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 ), and/or wherein the preferably removabie first covering and/or protective layer (12), especially the first release liner, is in contact with and/or attached to the electrically conductive adhesive layer (1 1 ). , The kit according to Claim 52, wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protective layer (12), especially the first reiease iiner, is coated especiaiiy on the side associated and/or attached to the electrically conductive adhesive layer (1 1 ) with a low surface energy compound, especiaiiy wherein the low surface energy compound is based on si!oxanes, silanes and/or silicones, especiaiiy siSoxanes, preferably poiyssioxanes, more preferably poiydimethylsiioxane.

, The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (4) also comprises a preferabiy removabie second covering and/or protective layer (13), especially a second reiease liner, especiaiiy wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer (13) is an outermost layer of the second part (4).

The kit according to Claim 54, wherein the preferabiy removable second covering and/or protective !ayer (13), especiaiiy the second reiease liner, comprises or consists of a flexible paper or organic polymer and /or wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer (13), especiaiiy the organic polymer of the second release liner, comprises or consists of polyesters, polypropylenes and polyethy!enes and/or wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer (13), especiaiiy the second release Iiner, exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 5 um to 600 μτη, especially in the range from 30 μιη to 400 ητί, in particular in the range from 10 urn to 250 μτη, especially from 50 um to 250 μπι, and/or wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer {13}, especially the second release liner, exhibits UV- proteciive properties and/or oxygen-protective properties.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (4) also comprises a preferabiy removable second covering and/or protective layer (13), especially a second release liner, especially wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer (13), especially the second release liner, is associated to the e!ectrochrornic material layer (10), and/or wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer (13), especially the second release liner, is in contact with and/or attached to the electroc romic material layer (10).

The kit according to any of Claims 2 to 56, wherein the second part (4) also comprises a preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer (13), especially a second release liner, especially wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer (13), especiaily the second release liner, is associated to the electrically conductive adhesive layer (1 Γ), and/or wherein the preferabiy removable second covering and/or protective laye (13), especially the second release liner, is in contact with and/or attached to the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11'). The kit according to Claim 57, wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer (13), especially the second release liner, is coated, especially on the side associated and/or attached to the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11'), with a low surface energy compound, especially wherein the Sow surface energy compound is based on siloxanes, siianes and/or silicones, especially siloxanes, preferably pot- ysi!oxanes, more preferably polydimeihyisiioxane.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (3) comprises a further adhesive layer (14), especially wherein the further adhesive layer (14) is associated to the support layer (5), preferably on the side of the support layer (5), which is opposite to the first electrically conductive layer (6), and/or especially wherein the further adhesive layer (14) is an outermost layer of the first part (3),

The kit according to Claim 59, wherein the further adhesive layer (14) is self-adhesive and/or wherein the further adhesive layer (14) comprises at least one self-adhesive component, especially at least one pressure- sensitive adhesive (PSA), especially wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) is selected from the group consisting of polyacrylates, polyvinyl acetaSes, polyvinyl acetates, polyalkyiene oxides, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl ethers, butyl rubbers, silicone rubbers, polysi!oxanes, si!oxane copolymers, styrene block copolymers and combinations thereof. The kit according to Claim 59 or 60, wherein the further adhesive layer (14) is transparent and/or wherein the further adhesive layer (14) exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 0.01 pm to 1 ,000 μηι, especially in the range from 0.5 M^'m to 750 prn, in particular in the range from 1 pm to 500 pm, preferably in the range from 5 ptn to 100 pm.

The kit according to any of Ciaims 59 to 61 , wherein the further adhesive layer (14) is covered, especiaily on the side which is opposite to the first substrate layer (5), with a preferably removable further covering layer and/or protective layer (15), especiaily a further release liner, especially wherein the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer (15), especiaily the further release liner, is associated and/or attached to the further adhesive layer (14), and/or wherein the preferably removabie further covering and/or protective layer (15), especially the further release Oner, is in contact with and/or attached to the further adhesive layer (14) and/or wherein the preferably removabie further covering and/or protective layer (15) is an outermost layer of the first part (3).

The kit according to any of Ciaims 59 to 82, wherein the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer (15), especially the further release liner, comprises or consists of a flexible paper or organic polymer and/or wherein the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer (15), especially ihe organic polymer of ihe second release liner, comprises or consists of polyesters, poiypropylenes and polyethyienes and/or wherein the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer (15), especially the further release liner, exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 5 μηι to 800 μιτι, especially in the range from 30 μηι to 400 μηι, in particular in the range from 10 μηι to 250 μιη, especially from 50 ίο to 250 ίπ and/or wherein the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer (15), especially the further release liner, exhibits UV-protective properties and/or oxygen-protective properties and/or wherein the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer (15), especially the further release liner, is coated, especiai!y on the side associated and/or attached to the further adhesive layer (14), with a low surface energy compound, especially wherein the low surface energy compound is based on siloxanes, si!anes and/or silicones, especially st- loxanes, preferably po!ysiloxanes, more preferably polydimethylsiloxane.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (4) further comprises a conductive adhesive layer (16), especially a transparent conductive adhesive layer, especially wherein the conductive adhesive layer (16) is positioned between the second electrically conductive iayer (9) and the electrochromic material layer (10) and/or especially wherein the conductive adhesive layer (16) is associated and/or attached to the second electrically conductive layer (9). The kit according to any of the preceding ciaims, wherein the second part (4) comprises a conductive polymer !ayer (17), especiaily wherein the conductive polymer layer (17) is positioned between the second electrically conductive layer (9) and the e!ectrochromic material layer (10) and/or especially wherein the conductive polymer layer (17) is associated and/or attached to the e!ecirochromic material layer (10).

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (3) and/or the second part (4), independently from each other, is/are flexible and/or pliable and/or wherein the first part (3) exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 1 ,um to 1 ,000 μόΐ, especially in the range from 2 μηη to 600 μι , preferably in the range from 3 to 300 μ η, more preferably in the range from 4 μ-m to 150 μηι, most preferably in the range from 5 μ-m to 100 μ τ, and/or wherein the second part (4) exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 1 μω to 1 ,000 um, especially in the range from 2 urn to 800 μπι, preferably in the range from 3 μνη to 300 μηι, more preferably in the range from 4 μΓη to 150 μπ , most preferably in the range from 5 μηι to 100 μηΐ,

67. The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the layers of the first part (3) and of the second part (4) are positioned in the respective part (3, 4) in the above-indicated order and/or wherein the iayers of the first part (3) and of the second part (4) are in each part (3, 4} in contact wit one another and/or attached to one another and or associated to one another in the above-indicated order.

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (3) comprises the iayers in the following order and/or wherein the iayers of the first part (3) are associated to and/or in contact with and/or attached to one another in the following order:

- optionally a removable covering layer {15};

~ optionally a further adhesive layer (14);

- a first substrate layer (5);

- a first electrically conductive layer {8};

- an ion reserve and/or ton storage layer (7);

- optionally an electrically conductive adhesive layer (1 );

- optionally a preferably removable covering layer (12).

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the second part (4) comprises the Iayers in the following order and/or wherein the iayers of the second part (4) are associated to and/or in contact with and/or attached to one another in the following order:

- a second substrate layer (8),

- a second electrically conductive layer (9); optionally a conductive adhesive layer (16);

optionally a conductive polymer layer (17);

an eSectrochromic material Iayer (10);

optionally an electrically conductive adhesive layer (11');

optionally a second preferably removable covering layer (13).

The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the kit (1) further comprises at least one sealing means (18), especially a sealing tape, in particular a self-adhesive sealing tape, preferably for sealing at least one edge of the first part (3) and/or of the second part (4), preferably of the part (3, 4) which exhibits the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 , 11 '), more preferably of the first part (3).

71. The kit according to Claim 70, wherein the sealing means (18) comprises or consists of polyesters and/or wherein the sealing means (18) exhibits a layer thickness in the range from 50 nm to 1 ,000 nm, especially in the range from 75 nm to 500 nm, in particular in the range from 100 nm to 200 nm, and/or wherein the sealing means (18) has the form of a tape and/or wherein the sealing means (18) has a width in the range from 1 mm to 30 mm, especially in the range from 2 mm to 20 mm, in particular in the range from 3 mm to 10 mm, and/or wherein preferably one side of the sealing means ( S) is adhesive, especially self-adhesive, and/or wherein the sealing means (18) is flexible and/or pliable. The kit according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the kit (1) further comprises at least one contact electrode, especially in the form of a metallic tape, In particular a copper tape, especially for application onto the first part (3), preferabl for application onto the electrically conductive layer (6) of the first part (3) and/or wherein the kit (1 ) further comprises at least one contact electrode, especially in the form of a metallic tape, in particular a copper tape, especially for application onto the second part (4), preferably for application onto the electrically conductive layer (8) of the second part (4).

A method for the producing a kit (1) as defined in any of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises;

(a) a first step of providing a first part (3), the first part (3) comprising:

~ a first substrate layer (5),

~ a first electrically conductive layer (6) associated to the first substrate layer (5),

- an ion reserve and/or ion storage layer (7) associated to the first electrically conductive layer (6); and

(b) a second step of providing a second part (4), the second part (4) comprising - a second substrate !ayer (8),

~ a second electrically conductive iayer (9) associated to the second substrate layer (8),

- an eiectrocliromic materia! layer (10) associated to the second eiectricaily conductive layer (8).

The method according to Claim 73, wherein the first part (3) and/or the second part (4) is further provided with at least one electrically conductive adhesive layer (1 1 , 11'), especially wherein the electrically conductive adhesive Iayer (1 1) is attached and/or adhered to the ion reserve and/or ion storage Iayer (7) of the first part (3) or wherein the electrically conductive adhesive iayer (1 1') is attached and/or adhered to the electrochromic material layer (10) of the second part (4), The method according to Qaims 73 and 74, wherein the first part (3) is further provided with a preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer (12), especiall wherein the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer (12) is attached and/or adhered to the electrically conductive adhesive layer (11) or to the ion reserve and/or ion stor- age layer (7) of the first part (3), and/or wherein the preferably removable covering and/or protection iayer (12) is an outermost Iayer of the first part (3). The method according to any of Claims 73 to 75, wherein the first part (3) is further provided with a further adhesive layer (14) and/or a preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer (15), especially wherein the adhesive layer (14) is attached and/or adhered to the side of the first substrate layer (5), which is opposite to the first electrically conductive layer (8), and/or especially wherein the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer ( 15) is attached and/or adhered to the side of the adhesive layer (14)_t which is opposite to the first substrate layer (5), and/or wherein the preferably removable further covering and/or protective layer (15) is an outermost layer of the first part (3).

The method according to any of Ciaims 73 to 76, wherein the second part (3) is further provided with a preferably removable covering and/or protective layer (13), especially wherein the preferably removable covering and/or protective layer (13) is attached and/or adhered to the electrically conductive adhesive layer {1 V) or to the electrochromic material layer (10) of the second part (4), and/or wherein the preferably removable covering and/or protective layer (13) is an outermost layer of the second part (4).

The method according to any of Ciaims 73 to 77, wherein the second part (3) is further provided with a conductive adhesive layer (18) and/or with a conductive polymer layer (1 ), especially wherein the conductive adhesive layer (16) is attached and/or adhered to the second eiectneaiiy conductive layer (9) and/or especially wherein the conductive polymer layer (1?) is attached and/or adhered to the conductive adhesive layer (16), on the one hand, and to the eSectrochromic materia! layer (10), on the other hand.

The method according to any of Claims 73 to 78, wherein the layers of each part (3. 4) are attached and/or adhered to one another by lamination methods and/or coating methods, especiaily roller coating, brush coating and/or spray coating. A method for producing an eSectrochromic device (2), especially a self- adhesive eieetrochrornic device, particularly for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object (19), wherein the method comprises: (a) a first step of using a kit (1 ) as defined in any of the preceding claims, the kit (1) comprising a first part (3) and a second part (4) and as defined in any of the preceding claims; and

(b) a second step of combining the first part (3) and the second part (4) for providing the eieetrochrornic device (2).

The method according to Claim 8 wherein the first part (3) comprises a first electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 ) associated to the ion reserve and/or ion storage layer (7) and/or wherein the first part (3) compris- es a preferably removable first covering and/or protection layer (12), especially a first release liner, especially wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protection layer (12) covers and/or is associated to the electrically conductive adhesive layer {11 ).

The method according to Claim 80 or 81 , wherein the preferably removable first covering and/or protection layer (12), especially the first release liner, is removed and/or released from the first part (3), especially from the electrically conductive adhesive layer 11 ), in particular prior to combination of the first part (3) and the second part (4).

83. The method according to any of Claims 80 to 82, wherein the edge(s) of the first part (3) and/or the second part (4), especially of the first part (3), are sealed.

84, The method according to Claim 83, wherein at least one sealing means {18), especially a sealing tape, preferably a self-adhesive sealing tape, is used, especially wherein the sealing means (18) is associated and/or adhered to the first part (3) and/or the second part (4), preferably to the first part (3), especiaily by partially encompassing the outermost iayers of the respective part (3, 4) including edge(s), in particular in a U-shaped manner. The method according to any of Claims 80 to 84, wherein at least one contact electrode, especially in the form of a metallic tape, in particular a copper tape, is especially applied onto the first part (3), preferably onto the electrically conductive layer (6) of the first part (3) and/or wherein at least one contact electrode is electrically connected to the first part (3), preferably the electrically conductive layer (6), and/or wherein at least one contact electrode, especially in the form of a metallic tape, in particular a copper tape, is especially applied onto the second part (4), preferably onto the electrically conductive layer (8) of the second part (4) and/or wherein at Seast one contact electrode is electrically connected to the second part (4), preferably the electrically conductive layer (8).

The method according to any of Claims 80 to 85, wherein the second part {4} comprises a preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer (13), especially a second release layer, associated to the electro- chromic materia! layer (10).

The method according to any of Claims 80 to 80, wherein the preferably removable second covering and/or protective layer (13), especially the second release liner, is removed and/or released from the second part (4), especially from the electrochromic materia! layer (10), in particular prior to combination of the first part (3) and the second part (4). The method according to any of Claims 80 to 87, wherein the first part (3) and the second part (4) are combined by attaching and/or adhering the first part (3) and the second part (4) to one another, especially by laminating the first part (3) onto the second part (4) or vice versa, preferably by attaching and/or adhering the electrochromic material layer (10) of the second part (4) onto the electrolytic adhesive layer (11 ) of the first part (3).

The use of a kit (1 } as defined in any of the preceding claims for producing an electrochromic device (2), especially a self-adhesive electrochromic device, particularly for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object (19).

The use according to Claim 89, wherein the first part (3) and the second part (4) of the kit are combined, especially are attached and/or adhered to one another.

An electrochromic device (2), especiall a self-adhesive e!ectrochroroic device, particularly for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object ( 9), wherein the electrochromic device (2) is obtainable by the method according to any of Claims 80 to 88.

An electrochromic device (2), especially a self-adhesive electrochromic device, in particular as defined in Claim 91 , preferably for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object (19), wherein the eiectrochromic device (2) comprises a first part (3) and a second part (4), each as defined in any of the preceding claims, especially wherein the first part (3) and the second part (4) are combined, especiaiiy are attached and/or adhered to one another.

An eiectrochromic deyice (2), especially a self-adhesive eiectrochromic device, in particular as defined in Claim 91 or 92, preferably for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object (19), wherein the eiectrochromic device (2) comprises the layers especiaiiy of the first part (3) as defined in any of the preceding claims and especially of the second part (4) as defined in any of the preceding claims in the following order:

- optionally a preferably removable covering layer (15);

- optionally a further adhesive layer (14);

- a first substrate layer {5);

- a first electrically conductive layer (8);

- an ion reserve and/or ion storage layer (7);

- at least one electrically conductive adhesive layer (11 , 11^*);

- an eiectrochromic material layer (10);

- optionally a conductive polymer layer (17);

- optionally a further conductive adhesive layer (16);

~ a second electrically conductive layer (9); and - a second substrate layer (8); especially wherein the layers are associated to and/or in with contact and/or attached to one another in the above-indicated order.

The eiecirochromic device (2) according to any of Claims 91 to 93, wherein the eSectrochromic device (2) further comprises an object (1 ), especially wherein the eiecirochromic device (2) is attached to and/or adhered to the object (19) via a further adhesive layer (14) and/or especially wherein the object (19) is associated to a further adhesive layer (14) of the electro- chromic device (2) and/or especially wherein a preferably removable covering and/or protective iayer (15) is removed from the eSectrochromic device (2),

The eSectrochromic device (2) according to any of the Claims 91 to 94_s wherein the eiecirochromic device (2) exhibits a plurality of second parts (4) associated, especially attached and/or adhered, to a single first part (3).

The eiectrochromic device (2) according to any of the Claims 91 to 95, wherein the eiectrochromic device (2) exhibits an overall thickness in the range from 2 pm to 20 mm, especially in the range from 10 pm to 10 mm, in particular in the range from 15 pm to 5 mm, preferably in the range from 20 pm to 2 mm, more preferably in the range from 50 pm to 1 mm, even mor preferable in the range from 75 to 0.4 mm.

97. The electrochromic device (2) according to any of the Claims 91 to 96, wherein the electrochromic device {2} is flexible and/or pliable.

98. The electrochromic device (2) according to any of the Claims 91 to 97, wherein the object (19) comprises or consists of a materia! selected from the group consisting of paper, plastic, glass, wood, stone, cement, metals and metal alloys.

99. Use of a first part (3) as defined in any of the preceding claims and/or a second part (4) as defined in any of the preceding claims for producing an electrochromic device (2), especially a self-adhesive electrochromic device, particularly for application and/or adhesion onto an at least essentially planar surface of an object (1 ), wherein the first part (3) and the second part (4) of the kit are combined, especialiy attached and/or adhered to one another.