A Graphene-Based Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Device Enabled through a Water-Induced Interface Cleaning Process

Abstract

We report the use of four-layer graphene (4LG) as a highly reliable transparent conductive electrode (TCE) for polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC)-based smart window devices. The adhesion between 4LG and the substrate was successfully improved through a water-induced interface-cleaning (WIIC) process. We compared the performance of a device with a WIIC-processed 4LG electrode with that of devices with a conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode and a 4LG electrode without a WIIC. With the application of the WIIC process, the PDLC smart window with a 4LG electrode exhibited reduced turn-on voltage and haze compared to 4LG without the WIIC process and characteristics comparable to those of the ITO electrode. The WIIC-processed 4LG electrode demonstrated enhanced electrical properties and better optical performance, leading to improved device efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, our study revealed that the WIIC process not only improved the adhesion between 4LG and the substrate but also enhanced the compatibility and interfacial interactions, resulting in the superior performance of the smart window device. These findings suggest that 4LG with WIIC holds great promise as a transparent conductive electrode for flexible smart windows, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to conventional ITO electrodes.

Synthesis of 2D PtSe2 Nanolayers on Glass Substrates and Their Integration in Near-Infrared Light Shutters

“…As seen from Figure 7 b, the working characteristics of PtSe 2 (7 nm)-based PDLC surpassed the PDLC device made with ITO contacts, with lower threshold voltage required for the PtSe 2 -based cell. Another recently used near-infrared transparent conductive material for making PDLC devices (instead ITO) is graphene, 72 however, it has the drawback of requirement to be transferred on large-scale substrates and to keep uniformity of the thickness, which is challenging. At the same time, PtSe 2 can be synthesized directly on glass substrates, which are commonly used substrates for PDLC devices.…”

Preparation and Application of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal Film with Step-Driven Display Capability

“…Electrically switchable PDLCs are extensively applied in preparation for large-area displays and smart windows equipped with scattering and transparent states in view of their polarization–independence, simplicity of fabrication, and low cost [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. PDLCs can be formed using micro- or nano-sized liquid crystal droplets dispersed in a uniform polymer matrix and have emerged as an essential new class of materials for a variety of utilizations in optical devices [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”