Fully screen printed stretchable electrochromic displays

The advent of the Internet of Things and the growing interest in continuous monitoring by wearables have created a need for conformable and stretchable displays. Electrochromic displays (ECDs) are receiving attention as a cost-effective solution for many simple applications. However, stretchable ECDs have yet to be produced in a robust, large scale and cost-efficient manner. Here we develop a process for making fully screen printed stretchable ECDs. By evaluating commercially available inks with respect to electromechanical properties, including electrochromic PEDOT:PSS inks, our process can be directly applied in the manufacturing of stretchable organic electronic devices. The manufactured ECDs retained colour contrast with useful switching times at static strains up to 50% and strain cycling up to 30% strain. To further demonstrate the applicability of the technology, double-digit 7-segment ECDs were produced, which could conform to curved surfaces and be mounted onto stretchable fabrics while remaining fully functional. Based on their simplicity, robustness and processability, we believe that low cost printed stretchable ECDs can be easily scaled up and will find many applications within the rapidly growing markets of wearable electronics and the Internet of Things.

Automated summary

The study developed a process for manufacturing fully screen-printed stretchable ECDs that maintained color contrast and useful switching times at static strains up to 50% and strain cycling up to 30%. Double-digit 7-segment ECDs were produced, demonstrating applicability on curved surfaces and stretchable fabrics while remaining fully functional. Low-cost printed stretchable ECDs are believed to have the potential for scaling up easily and finding numerous applications in wearable electronics and the IoT markets.