Improving flexible, printable electrochromic devices with silver nanowires

An electrochromic device alters its optical properties such as tint or colour through a voltage. They are currently used in car rear-view mirrors, smart windows, electrochromic displays and eyewear. Conventional electrochromic devices are built on glass, but future applications such as foldable displays demand mechanically flexible devices. Furthermore, to reduce manufacturing costs, materials that are printable are highly desired. In this project, silver nanowires, which are cylindrical-shaped silver filaments that are easily synthesized in solution, will be used to improve the performance of printable, flexible electrochromic devices. Firstly, meshes of silver nanowires will be used as transparent electrodes to enable electrochromic displays on transparent paper. Secondly, silver nanowires will be used as an additive to improve the performance of inexpensive polymer-based electrochromic displays. This work aims to lower the cost of electrochromic devices and enable new applications such as flexible or disposable products.

Faculty Supervisor:

Irene Goldthorpe

Student:

Partner:

Université de Bordeaux

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Nanotechnology; Technology; Advanced Manufacturing

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: