ABSTRACT
Novel design of electrochromic devices (ECDs) known for their ability to modify optical properties under an applied voltage, based on a minimization of the number of layers is reported. The use of a metallic electrode, playing the role of both the conductive layer and the counter electrode, allows us to simplify the assembly of a commonly five-layer battery-type device to four-layer ECD. Further minimization of the number of layers is achieved using a conductive and electrochromic material. The novelty of the device configuration is illustrated using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-based materials as EC layer, lithium-based ionic liquid as electrolyte, and Ag as counter electrode. Such a four- or three-layer ECD deposited on paper substrate switches from light to deep blue in a narrow 0.7 V voltage window. Preliminary investigations of the mechanism indicate traces of Ag on the PEDOT layer upon cycling. Finally, the printed ECD is successfully activated using a mobile phone.
ABSTRACT
This contribution reports a method delivering inorganic nanopatterned and functional surfaces from the ion beam etching of mesoporous thin films. The nanoscaled patterns are spherical or cylindrical cavities that are arranged on a macroscale. A variety of chemical functions can be grafted selectively in the cavities to add specific interactions with functional nanoparticles to be positioned. The process opens a simple route to localize and organize functional spherical or linear nanoparticles on extended surfaces.
