Traditional displays in wearable devices face challenges such as the complexity of multi-layer structures and risks associated with high voltages. To that end, electrochemiluminescence devices (ECLDs) based on AC drive have been investigated. Recently, a research team led by Professor Caofeng Pan and Professor Rongrong Bao from Beihang University in China published a review of flexible/stretchable displays based on the principle of electrochemiluminescence. The which can be found in the KeAi journal Wearable Electronics, details the design, preparation, and applications of ECLDs, offering the potential for the development of lightweight and intelligent wearable devices.
"Dinoflagellates are single celled phytoplankton in the ocean, stimulating bioluminescence and shining brightly in the dark, known as 'blue tears'. This transmission mechanism is related to luminescent chemistry," explains the study's first author, Ziyu Chen, a doctoral student at the Institute of Atomic Manufacturing, Beihang University. "Inspired by the of natural organisms, the novel ECLDs have entered our vision. Electrochemiluminescence refers to the generation of luminophores by electrochemical reactions on the surface of an electrode by applying an electric potential, followed by a series of redox processes.
Notably, when these molecules or ions in the excited state return to the ground state, photons are released and luminescence occurs. To realize high-performance ECLDs, especially flexible/stretchable ECLDs, in-depth studies on device composition, preparation process, and applications development are required.
The article first starts from the principle of electrochemiluminescence and analyzes the material selection principles of luminophores, ionic liquids, and conductive electrodes. Following that, by comparing preparation methods such as solution coating, vapor deposition, patterning, electrospinning, and printing techniques, the applicable scenarios of different processes were analyzed. "Finally, by combining multi-color displays, stretchable and flexible displays, and wearable scenarios, the interface optimization and performance improvement strategies in dynamic environments are explored," says Chen.
"ECLDs shows great development space in multi-color, flexible/stretchable and wearable displays, but it still faces many problems." Chen adds. "Currently, ECLDs materials still lack stability and compatibility. The innovation of preparation needs to shift from single technology breakthrough to multi-process synergistic optimization. Moreover, the range of applications is still relatively limited. We hope that the results encourage scientists to continue investigating the use of ECLDs to promote from laboratory R&D to practical application."
