A metallosupramolecular polymer deposited via inkjet printing for fast-switching pixelated electrochromic devices

Abstract

Fe(II)-based metallosupramolecular polymer (Fe(II)-MEPE) is a promising electrochromic material for consumable electrochromic devices (ECDs), due to its excellent electrochromic properties, simple synthesis, high yield, and environmental and thermal stabilities. Studies on constructing the electrochromic layer in ECDs, to satisfy the requirements of low cost, versatile and complex pattern processing for consumable electronics, have contributed much to the field of ECDs. The ability to pattern an Fe(II)-MEPE layer on a conductive substrate with a stable and controllable printing method has so far been elusive. Here, we investigated the process of patterning Fe(II)-MEPE film on ITO-coated PET film using a commercially available inkjet printing device. An optimal ink formulation was successfully developed to fabricate continuous Fe(II)-MEPE films. The absorbance of the films increased linearly with the increase in the number of printing layers. Furthermore, a high-performance pixelated ECD was assembled using inkjet printing to demonstrate the ability of pattern processing.