Flexible Electrochromic Textile Based Display

Electrochromic materials are a class of smart materials capable of undergoing a colour change as a response to an applied voltage. These materials form the basis of technologies such as auto dimming rear view mirrors and smart windows capable of modulating light transmission with applied voltage. Our project focuses on cosmetic applications, specifically the use of electrochromic materials in textiles, providing the ability to tune the colour of the fabric at will. In order to accomplish this, electrodes are required to generate an electric potential across the electrochromic material. To avoid obstructing the visual appearance of the electrochromic textile, the electrodes must be transparent while also being flexible, to accommodate the inherent pliability of fabrics. We have designed an electrochromic device integrated with silver nanowire electrodes which are flexible, transparent and highly conductive, capable of tuning the colour of our electrochromic material by manipulating the applied voltage.
Koen Bertens, Zameer Bharwani, Ibrahim Fanek and Michael Lim


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