Reversible coloration enhanced by electrochemical deposition of an ultrathin zinc layer onto an anodic nanoporous alumina layer

A productive method is introduced to realize large area color electronic paper (e-paper) with high UV resistance, heat resistance, and good significant bending properties using a color change triggered by reversible electronic change in the device structure. Reversible coloration and decoloration triggered by electrochemical deposition and desorption, respectively, of an ultra-thin zinc (Zn) layer on a thin transparent conductive layer coated on anodic nanoporous alumina has been developed. The deposition of the ultra-thin Zn layer triggers the formation of destructive interference, which leads to coloration. Yellow, magenta, and cyan colors were obtained in the colored state by increasing the NP-Al ₂O ₃ layer thickness, based on Bragg diffraction theory. Reflectance of more than 70% and contrast values of more than 7 were obtained, which are nearly equivalent to those of previous e-papers. The color images in these devices also showed high UV resistance, heat resistance, and repeated significant bending endurance. The devices can be fabricated with large areas using low-cost manufacturing processes such as anodic oxidation, and use abundantly available materials. Our proposed device provides low-cost and flexible large area color e-paper for outdoor use. Reversible electronic coloration and decoloration triggered by electrochemical deposition and desorption, respectively, of an ultrathin zinc layer on indium tin oxide coated anodic nanoporous alumina is demonstrated. The electrochemically deposited zinc layer triggers destructive interference at a specific wavelength, producing coloration. Recorded static images are not destroyed by heating or strong UV light when the power is off. Reversible coloration and decoloration of cyan, magenta, and yellow are achieved by changing the alumina layer thickness.