Electrochromic Strategies for Modulation between Primary Colors: Covering the Visible Spectrum

Abstract

Display devices capable of exhibiting red-green-blue (RGB) colors are of interest due to their universal application capabilities. Thus, strategies to design devices capable of displaying these colors by simple stimuli like applied bias needs to be understood. Electrochromic (EC) materials and devices that can be used to obtain any of the three colors or any combination of these have been described here. First, a consolidated explanation of the electrochromic phenomenon and its related principles has been presented, and a material library of EC-active materials has been compiled. It can be understood that electrochromic devices (ECDs) showing RGB outputs are highly desirable from an industrial application point of view, and the same can be obtained by optimizing a few parameters like tailoring materials or manipulating device configurations. Additionally, two approaches to obtain the same have been explained with the help of state-of-the-art materials through electrofluorochromic and plasmochromic materials. A proper explanation with the help of examples has been provided to explain both concepts, thus arriving at a conclusion that appropriately exploits the available materials and even tailors a few, so highly efficient ECDs with a rich RGB output contrast can be obtained. Advantages and disadvantages of passive electrochromic devices and advanced electrofluorochromic and plasmochromic devices have been highlighted so that one can choose the appropriate device paradigm as per the desired application. © 2023 American Chemical Society