Electrochromic has been widely investigated owing to its merits of low driving voltage, ultra-low power consumption, and bistable. Among various materials, electrochromic polymers (ECPs) stand out for rich color palette, superior comprehensive performance, and versatile processability, exhibiting promising application prospects in the display field. Nevertheless, the fabrication of high-precision patterned films has long remained a persistent challenge in the electrochromic field. Spray coating and spin coating cannot directly realize patterned film fabrication, whereas screen printing, inkjet printing, and roll-to-roll processing require a material system with moderate viscosity. However, the inert additives typically introduced tend to degrade film conductivity and compromise electrochromic performance. Consequently, the high-precision patterning of ECP films remains an urgent issue demanding resolution.
This report will discuss the mechanisms for color-control in ECP films from the perspectives of molecular structure design, solution blending, and laminated composites. In addition, we propose strategies for using simple and efficient photolithography techniques to produce high-precision patterned ECP films, which will be used to design and fabricate high-precision patterned prototype display devices. The above research will provide important theoretical insights for the development and application of ECP films and devices.
 

high-precision patterned,electrochromic polymer,color-control