Convenient-assembled, open-ended solid-state electrochromic devices enabled by electrolyte glue

Electrochromic (EC) technology has a tremendous development over the past few decades and attracts wide attention due to its promising applications in smart windows, smart displays and wearable electronics. However, strict sealed requirements of EC devices increase the difficulty of manufacturing processing and production cost, limiting their practical application in common life. Moreover, the disassembly and replacement of EC devices are still enormous challenges in practical application. Here, open-ended solid-state EC devices were prepared by directly sticking the EC electrode and counter electrode with photocurable electrolyte glue which did not require additional encapsulation and could be conveniently assembled and replaced by ourselves in common life. The poly(butyl acrylate-co-methoxypolyethylene glycol acrylate) (P(BA-co-mPEGDA))-based solid-state electrolyte formed after UV curing of electrolyte glue exhibited excellent adhesion to electrodes through the construction of intimate contact interface, which improved the ion transport efficiency at the interface and interface stability of EC devices. The Open-ended solid-state EC devices exhibited excellent electrochemical, environmental and mechanical stability, and show promising applications in exchangeable smart windows and designable wearable displays.

Automated summary

Electrochromic technology has experienced significant development in recent decades, and it has promising applications in smart windows and wearable displays. However, strict sealing requirements and difficulties in disassembly and replacement have limited its practical use. In this study, open-ended solid-state EC devices were developed using a photocurable electrolyte glue, which simplified the manufacturing process and allowed for convenient assembly and replacement. The devices exhibited excellent stability and showed potential in exchangeable smart windows and designable wearable displays.