In a groundbreaking development set to revolutionize the future of outdoor displays and wearable technology, researchers have unveiled a novel flexible electronic display that not only changes color dynamically but also cools the surface it covers. Published in ACS Energy Letters, this innovative technology addresses a longstanding challenge in electrochromic displays: the unintended heat generation that typically accompanies color switching. By implementing a passive cooling mechanism integrated directly into the display’s design, this advancement promises a new class of sustainable, energy-efficient devices capable of vibrant color shifts without the thermal drawbacks of conventional systems.
Traditional electronic displays commonly convert electrical energy into heat when changing colors, leading to increased surface temperatures and greater energy consumption. This is especially problematic in applications exposed to sunlight or worn on the skin, where overheating can reduce comfort and performance. The new system counters this by leveraging a multilayered electrode architecture paired with a unique electrolyte solution containing silver ions. This configuration allows for controlled silver deposition that selectively absorbs light only in desired wavelengths, drastically minimizing heat absorption while maintaining vivid coloration.
The core innovation lies in the device’s ability to switch between reflective white and color states through electrochemical modulation. When the display is in its white state, a top reflective layer efficiently scatters sunlight, enhancing passive cooling by reflecting a broad spectrum of solar radiation. Upon application of voltage, silver ions in the electrolyte solution are electrochemically reduced and plated onto the bottom electrode, creating a colored state with precise spectral control. Unlike previous technologies where color change led to significant light absorption and consequent heat generation, this method only absorbs light within targeted narrow bands, thus avoiding excess warming.
Experimental evaluations revealed remarkable thermal performance. The prototype reduced substrate temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius compared to ambient conditions while exhibiting dynamic color changes—a feat unattainable with traditional passive cooling coatings that lack color modulation capabilities. Furthermore, in intense summer environments, this display achieved cooling improvements of up to 13 degrees Celsius over comparable devices, all while maintaining bright and attractive colors like magenta using significantly less electrical power. The synergy between electrochemical color switching and radiative cooling mechanisms offers unprecedented efficiency for display technologies.
Versatility was demonstrated by the researchers through the development of pixelated electrodes featuring individual electrolyte wells, enabling independent color control of discrete pixels. This architecture allowed the formation of crisp, legible letters visible under various lighting conditions including direct sunlight. Importantly, these electrochromic pixels operate reversibly with controlled silver cycling, ensuring durability and long-term stability essential for commercial deployment. The ability to customize and program colors on flexible substrates opens vast possibilities for interactive signage and adaptive lighting systems in real-world scenarios.
A key aspect of this technology is its mechanical flexibility. The researchers successfully integrated the display onto pliable plastic backings, which could be wrapped comfortably over a human forearm without compromising electrical or optical functionality. This flexibility showcases the device’s potential for wearable applications, where cooling performance directly translates to enhanced user comfort. Wearable devices might soon incorporate similar cooling displays to mitigate skin heat buildup during prolonged use, signaling a major step forward in personalized, thermally managed electronics.
From an environmental perspective, this electrochemically driven cooling display holds significant promise for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Passive cooling materials have historically been restricted to white or metallic finishes with limited functional adaptability. By integrating color-tunable capabilities that simultaneously provide efficient solar heat rejection, this technology could dramatically lower the cooling loads of buildings employing large-scale digital billboards or smart windows. In effect, it bridges the gap between aesthetic versatility and environmental responsibility.
The underlying physics and materials science principles highlight the sophistication of this new approach. The multilayer electrode design optimizes both optical reflectance and electrochemical deposition dynamics, while the silver-containing electrolyte supports rapid, uniform plating and stripping cycles. Indium tin oxide (ITO) glass serves as a robust transparent electrode, facilitating electron transport without hindering light transmission. These careful material selections combine to create an electrochromic system that balances efficient color change kinetics with thermal management, setting a new benchmark for display engineering.
Looking ahead, integration into smart building facades and vehicle exteriors could transform urban environments into energy-saving ecosystems. Buildings embedded with these dynamic displays could actively reduce interior temperatures by reflecting sunlight in color-customizable patterns, reducing reliance on air conditioning and lowering operational costs. Vehicles equipped with similar systems could maintain cabin comfort passively while offering customizable exterior aesthetics, enhancing both efficiency and user experience.
Moreover, the scalability and manufacturability of this technology will be crucial for widespread adoption. The researchers note that the fabrication process relies on established electrochemical deposition methods and commercially available materials, suggesting that transition from laboratory prototypes to mass production may be feasible without prohibitive costs. Coupled with the anticipated durability from reversible silver cycling, these displays are well-positioned for commercial viability in markets demanding innovative, energy-conscious solutions.
In conclusion, this development marks a significant advancement in the field of electrochromic displays by addressing the critical problem of heat generation during color transitions. The fusion of dynamic color modulation with passive daytime radiative cooling offers an elegant solution to enhance energy efficiency, user comfort, and aesthetic versatility simultaneously. As climate change continues to drive demand for sustainable cooling technologies, this approach introduces a promising pathway for the next generation of smart, flexible, and environmentally responsible electronic signage and wearables.
Subject of Research: Dynamic flexible electrochromic displays with integrated passive daytime radiative cooling
Article Title: “Daytime Radiative Cooling with Electrochemically Driven Dynamic Colors”
News Publication Date: 12-Nov-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsenergylett.5c02196
References: Adapted from ACS Energy Letters 2025, DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.5c02196
Image Credits: Adapted from ACS Energy Letters 2025, DOI: 10.1021/acsenergylett.5c02196
Keywords
Chemistry, Sustainability
