Conductive Network-Embedded Outer Anodic Layer Enabling Coaxial Electrochromic Fibers with Highly Homogenized Electric Field

Abstract

Electrochromic (EC) fibers, with their excellent embeddability and rapid reversible optical modulation in electronic textiles, exhibit promising applications in wearable displays and smart textile integration. However, due to nonuniform electric field distribution and limited electrochromic active regions, EC fibers exhibit issues such as insufficient optical contrast and poor cycling stability in practical applications. Herein, we develop a coaxial EC fiber featuring a conductive network-embedded outer anode and a dual-layer synergistic coloration mechanism (outer poly(3,4ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layer and inner polyaniline (PANI) layer). Benefiting from the optimized structure, large-scale fabrication of coaxial EC fiber achieves enhanced optical modulation (32.6%), fast response time (8.15 s/6.32 s) and long cycling stability (1000 cycles, 90%). EC textiles woven therefrom, upon integration with sensing modules, offer real-time physiological sensing with dynamic color feedback, underscoring their potential for advanced smart wearable displays.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Electrochromic fibers / Ag@Au nanowires nanonetwork / Electric field homogenization / Wearable displays / Smart textiles

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Funding

the Natural Science Foundation of China(52473168)

the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2232025G-02)

Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality Basic Research Funding(23ZR1400400)

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Donghua University, Shanghai, China

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