All‐Printed Multilayers and Blends of Poly(dioxythiophene) Derivatives Patterned into Flexible Electrochromic Displays

Abstract

Low-cost, flexible and thin display technology is becoming an interesting field of research as it can accompany the wide range of sensors being developed.Here, the synthesis of poly(dimethylpropylene-dioxythiophene) (PProDOT-Me 2 ) by combining vapor phase polymerization and screen printing is presented. A multilayer architecture using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and PProDOT-Me 2 to allow for electrochromic switching of PProDOT-Me 2 , thereby eliminating the need for a supporting transparent conductive (metal oxide) layer is introduced. Furthermore, the technology is adapted to a blended architecture, which removes the additional processing steps and results in improved color contrast (∆E* > 25). This blend architecture is extended to other conductive polymers, such as PEDOT and polypyrrole (PPy), to highlight the ability of the technique to adjust the color of all-printed electrochromic displays. As a result, a green color is obtained when combining the blue and yellow states of PEDOT and PPy, respectively. This technology has the potential to pave the way for all-printed multicolored electrochromic displays for further utilization in printed electronic systems in various Internet of Things applications.

Electrochromic Passive Matrix Display Utilizing Diode‐Like Redox Reactions on Indium‐Tin‐Oxide

“…Screen printing is a relatively rough manufacturing technique, but has nevertheless been used for large-area production of advanced electrochromic displays based on various conducting polymers. [20,43] Herein, the electrolyte ink formulation used for this purpose was based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Figure S14, Supporting Information, describes the screen-printing process of the electrolyte in further detail.…”

Paper Electronics Utilizing Screen Printing and Vapor Phase Polymerization

“…Many previous reports have demonstrated thin, high conductivity PEDOT films using a synthesis technique coined vapor phase polymerization (VPP). [14,15] VPP involves the deposition of an oxidant solution (traditionally by spin coating but more recently by printing technologies [16][17][18] ) before the monomer is introduced in vapor form to polymerize where the oxidant has been deposited. Usually, a washing step is included to remove the excess oxidant and unreacted monomer.…”