Advanced Image‐Integrated Smart Windows using Printed Electrochromic Polymer‐Dispersed Liquid Crystal Droplets
Abstract The first realization of a high‐resolution, image‐integrated smart window platform utilizing printed electrochromic polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals (ECPDLCs) is reported, enabling stable and simultaneous control of both coloration and optical transmittance. The system exploits a redox‐driven electrochromic response at low DC bias (≈3 V) and tunable light scattering via refractive index modulation under an AC voltage (tens of Vrms at 1 kHz), achieving dual‐mode optical functionality in a single device. By optimizing both the ECPDLC composition and the drop‐on‐demand (DoD) printing process, the droplet dead zones are significantly reduced and achieve precise spatial patterning with scalable fabrication. This work not only pioneers the integration of ECPDLCs into printed photonic devices but also offers a practical design framework for next‐generation multifunctional smart systems. Our findings open up new avenues for adaptive architectural glazing, customizable commercial displays, and responsive optical technologies.
Authors
- Jinge Guo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3592-5272)
- Alfonso Arturo Castrejón-Pita (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4995-2582)
- Jin‐Young Choi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8100-7583)
- Adithya Pradeep
- Waqas Kamal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6022-547X)
- Stephen Morris (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8294-9225)
- A. Orr (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7678-9508)
- Wook‐Sung Kim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0305-5213)
- Steve J. Elston (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2719-539X)
- Jun‐Seok Ma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9579-2423)
- Hyun‐Woo Oh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4887-2356)
- Bradley C. Mee
- Jae‐Hwan Lee (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6561-7760)
- Seung‐Won Oh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7596-948X)
Institutions
- Pohang University of Science and Technology (KR)
- Kangwon National University (KR)
- LG (United States) (US)
- University of Oxford (GB)
- Science Oxford (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Advanced Optical Materials
- Published
- 2025-09-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202501586
- Citations
- 4
- Primary Topic
- Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.92
Funders
- Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council