A general strategy to achieve see-through devices through the micro-structuring of colored functional materials

Abstract Irrespective of the specific see-through device, obtaining optimal transparency remains the primary goal. In this work, we introduce a general strategy to enhance the transparency of various see-through devices. We achieve this by structuring the colored functional materials into impercepti...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Zishou Hu, Xueqing Tang, Yuan-Qiu-Qiang Yi, Shuhong Nie, Xiaolian Chen, Wenya Xu, Chenchao Huang, Xinju Mu, Zhongsheng Ma, Pengyu Tang, Xinzhou Wu, Wenming Su, Christine K. Luscombe
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2024-12-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55133-w
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Summary:Abstract Irrespective of the specific see-through device, obtaining optimal transparency remains the primary goal. In this work, we introduce a general strategy to enhance the transparency of various see-through devices. We achieve this by structuring the colored functional materials into imperceptible three-dimensional mesh lines, addressing a common challenge in multi-layer structures where each layer causes a reduction in transparency due to their color or opacity. To overcome this limitation, we selectively integrate functional materials into micron-wide groove structures transforming functional layers to functional meshes. Regardless of the initial color of the functional material, the resulting functional mesh can exhibit a high transmittance of 88% (vs. air) under any operating state while maintaining its intended function within the device. We apply this strategy to fabricate proof-of-concept of devices such as electrochromic devices, supercapacitors, and zinc batteries, all of which exhibit remarkable overall transparency when compared to the multi-layer device.
ISSN:2041-1723