Protic-soluble electrochromic materials, ion-paired electrochromic materials including protic-soluble electrochromic materials, as well as electrochromic media and electrochromic devices incorporating such materials, are provided. The use of protic solvent mixtures, especially mixtures incorporating water, allows for the use of a wider variety of substrate materials. For example, plastics that may be soluble in organic aprotic solvent systems may be used in water-based devices.

A rearview device for a vehicle having an electro-optic element. A first substrate includes first and second surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The second surface includes a first electrically conductive layer. A second substrate includes third and fourth surfaces disposed on opposite sides thereof. The third surface includes a second electrically conductive layer. An electro-optic medium is disposed in a cavity. The electro-optic medium is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic medium is operable between generally clear and darkened states. A first electrical connection and a second electrical connection are positioned on the same side of the electro-optic element. A display device is disposed proximate the fourth surface of the second substrate. A toggle paddle is disposed behind the electro-optic element. The toggle paddle includes a plurality of distinct buttons. Each distinct button includes a distinct tactile indicia on a rear surface thereof.

An electrochromic composition has an anodic electrochromic compound and a cathodic electrochromic compound, in which the anodic electrochromic compound is represented by General Formula [1]

##STR00001##

and the cathodic electrochromic compound is represented by General Formula [2]

##STR00002##

In General Formula 1, A.sub.1 to A.sub.4 represent substituents, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, and R.sub.20 and R.sub.21 represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent. n is an integer of 1 to 5. X represents a thiophene derivative and Y- represents an anion.

A variable transmittance optical filter comprising: a first layer comprising a first substantially transparent substrate with a substantially co-planar (SC) electrode system disposed thereon, the SC electrode system made of transparent electrically conductive material and comprising at least one pair of electrically separate electrodes arranged in a substantially co-planar manner on the first substantially transparent substrate, each pair of electrically separate electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, a second layer proximate to the first layer and comprising a transition material that darkens in response to a non-electrical stimulus and lightens in response to application of an electric voltage; and an electrical connection system for electrically connecting the SC electrode system to a source of electric voltage.

A window assembly is provided that includes an electro-optic element with a first substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces. The second surface has a first electrically conductive layer. A second substantially transparent substrate defines third and fourth surfaces. The third surface has a second electrically conductive layer. A cavity is defined between the first and second substrates. An electro-optic medium is disposed in the cavity. The electro-optic medium is variably transmissive such that the electro-optic element is operable between substantially clear and darkened states. A pane is positioned proximate the electro-optic element and an infrared reflective film is positioned on at least one of the pane and the electro-optic element.

An aspect of the present disclosure is a device that includes a switchable material and an intercalating species, such that when a first condition is met, at least a portion of the intercalating species is associated with the switchable material and the switchable material is substantially transparent and substantially colorless, and when a second condition is met, at least a fraction of the portion of the intercalating species is transferred from the switchable material and the switchable material is substantially transparent and substantially colored.

Flexible plastic screen for glasses, sunglasses or helmet faceshields with controlled light transmission based on applied electrical voltage. The screen consists of two transparent flexible conductive polymer electrodes disposed and an electrochromic layer disposed between them. The electrochromic layer is a homogeneous mixture of active electrochromic components dissolved in a polymer matrix. The electrochromic screen is operable to vary the light transmission of any wearable electro-optical devices, such as the glasses, for creating an effect of a blackout for augmented/virtual reality glasses.

A gel-state electrolyte is provided herein. The gel-state electrolyte includes a solvent base; and spherical inorganic nanoparticles dispersed in the solvent base, wherein the spherical inorganic nanoparticles are bonded to each other through an M-O-M structure, wherein M is Ti, Si, Al, Zr, V, Fe, Ni, Zn, or a combination thereof.

A triple glazing unit is disclosed. The triple glazing unit can include a first pane, a second pane, a third pane between the first pane and the second pane, an electrochemical device coupled to the third pane and between the third pane and the second pane, a first cavity between the first pane and the third pane, and a second cavity between the second pane and the third pane, wherein a distance between the first pane and the third pane is greater than a distance between the second pane and the third pane.

A compound represented by the structure of Formula (I), or a salt thereof suitable for use as a buffer in an electrochromic device is disclosed.