Towards two-dimensional color tunability of all-solid-state electrochromic devices using carbon dots

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electrochemistry

Background:

• Multicolor patterned electrochromic devices (ECDs) are gaining attention.
• Designing simple, integrated multicolor ECDs remains challenging due to material and configuration complexities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a novel and simple strategy for fabricating vivid multicolor patterned ECDs.
• To broaden color hues in ECDs by introducing carbon dots (CDs).

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of carbon dots (CDs) into the ion electrolyte layer of ECDs.
• Utilizing the synergistic effects between electrodes and electrolytes for enhanced performance.

Main Results:

• Fabricated ECDs exhibited vivid and broadened color hues.
• The devices showed stable and reversible color changes across a temperature range from room temperature (RT) to 70°C.
• A synergistic effect between electrodes and electrolytes was observed, leading to rich color transitions.

Conclusions:

• The introduction of CDs into the electrolyte offers a novel strategy for creating multicolor patterned ECDs.
• The developed ECDs demonstrate excellent thermal stability and reversibility.
• This approach is expected to contribute to the advancement of intelligent and portable electronic devices.