Breakthrough application of electrochromism: Multifunctional artificial muscle

In the article (Advanced Materials 2023; 2305914, https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202305914) reported by Wang et al., electrochemically driven multifunctional electrochromic artificial muscles (EAMs) are demonstrated with intricate actuation and eye-catching color-change behaviors, which were assembled from V₂O₅ nanowires-carbon nanotube fibers-based high-twist electrochromic artificial muscle yarn (EAMY). With combined wet winding and wet twisting, excellent mechanical properties and uniform color change were achieved in the core-sheath EAMYs. Followed by hot pouring and molding of gel electrolyte, the contact problem between electrode and electrolyte was resolved and EAMs were fabricated with stable operation in the air, harvesting a high shrinkage stroke of 12% and a high reflectivity contrast of 51%. The judicious device architecture design and integration of multifunctionality will open new avenues for electrochromic technology.