Highly flexible electrochromic devices enabled by electroplated nickel grid electrodes and multifunctional hydrogels

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Flexible Electronics

Background:

• Flexible electronics are crucial for wearable displays, energy saving, and adaptive camouflage.
• Developing robust and efficient flexible electrochemical devices remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a simple, highly flexible triple-layered electrochemical device.
• To utilize novel materials for enhanced performance in flexible electrochromic devices.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a triple-layered device using electroplated nickel (Ni) grid electrodes and a multifunctional hydrogel.
• Incorporation of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) as the electrochromic material.
• Testing of device performance including optical contrast, response time, and mechanical stability under bending.

Main Results:

• The Ni grid electrode demonstrated low resistance (0.5 Ω/sq) and high optical transparency (84.8%).
• The device achieved an absolute transmittance contrast of 40% with fast coloration/bleaching.
• Over 72% contrast was retained after 2500 bending cycles, showing excellent mechanical robustness.

Conclusions:

• The developed triple-layered architecture simplifies manufacturing and enhances device performance.
• The combination of Ni grid electrodes and multifunctional hydrogel is advantageous for flexible electrochromic devices.
• This work paves the way for next-generation flexible electronics with improved response time, stability, and bending capability.