Yuanyuan Guo

Computational-assisted molecular design of benzobisthiadiazole-based donor–acceptor–donor type near-infrared dyes, their synthesis and application as colored inks in electrowetting displays.

Electrowetting with a dielectric layer is commonly preferred in practical applications. However, its potential is often limited by factors like the properties of the dielectric layer and its breakdown, along with the complexity of the deposition method. Fortunately, advancements in 3D inkjet printing offer a more adaptable solution for making patterned functional layers. In this study, we used a negative photoresist (HN-1901) to create a new dielectric layer for an electrowetting display on a 3-inch ITO glass using a Dimatix DMP-2580 inkjet printer. The resulting devices performed better due to their enhanced resistance to dielectric breakdown. We meticulously investigated the physical properties of the photoresist material and printer settings to achieve optimal printing. We also controlled the uniformity of the dielectric layer by adjusting ink drop spacing. Compared to traditional electrowetting display devices, those with inkjet-printed dielectric layers showed significantly fewer defects like bubbles and electrode corrosion. They maintained an outstanding response time and breakdown resistance, operating at an open voltage of 20 V. Remarkably, these devices achieved faster response times of ton 22.3 ms and toff 14.2 ms, surpassing the performance of the standard device.

Nanotechnology, an emerging force, has infiltrated diverse domains like biomedical, materials, and environmental sciences. Nano‐omics, an emerging fusion, combines nanotechnology with omics, boasting amplified sensitivity and resolution. This review introduces nanotechnology basics, surveys its recent strides in nano‐omics, deliberates present challenges, and envisions future growth.

Cyclic tetrasiloxane polymer (CTP) has recently garnered interest as a hydrophobic material with unique properties. This study aims to enhance the dielectric constant of CTP films by introducing excess Si-H groups and to explore the impact of synthesis and processing conditions on the resulting properties. The film demonstrates high hydrophobicity, with contact angles of 107° in air and 165° in n-decane, along with a notable dielectric constant of 5.1°. Furthermore, the CTP film displays reversible electrowetting behavior with low contact angle hysteresis (2°) and possesses good transparency (∼99%) and thermal stability. As such, the CTP film has significant potential as a material for the electric wetting of hydrophobic dielectric layers and may serve as a promising alternative in electrowetting applications.

We synthesized a terrylene diimide (TDI)-based cyan dye TDIC, which exhibited excellent device performance with an extraordinarily high molar absorption coefficient up to 65 000 L moL ⁻¹ cm ⁻¹ , high optical stability, and fast response in the EFD.

Fluorescent patterns with multiple functions enable high-security anti-counterfeiting labels. Complex material synthesis and patterning processes limit the application of multifunctional fluorescent patterns, so the technology of in situ fluorescent patterning with tunable multimodal capabilities is becoming more necessary. In this work, an in situ fluorescent patterning technology was developed using laser direct writing on solid cellulose film at ambient conditions without masks. The fluorescent intensity and surface microstructure of the patterns could be adjusted by programmable varying of the laser parameters simultaneously. During laser direct writing, carbon dots are generated in situ in a cellulose ester polymer matrix, which significantly simplifies the fluorescent patterning process and reduces the manufacturing cost. Interestingly, the tunable fluorescent intensity empowers the fabrication of visual stereoscopic fluorescent patterns with excitation dependence, further improving its anti-counterfeiting performance. The obtained fluorescent patterns still show ultrahigh optical properties after being immersed in an acid/base solution (pH 5–12) over one month. In addition, the anti-UV performance of the obtained laser-patterned film with transmittance around 90% is comparable to that of commercial UV-resistant films. This work provided an advanced and feasible approach to fabricating programmable, performance-tunable, subtle fluorescent patterns in large-scale for industrial application.

Electrowetting is a highly recognized way to control droplet movement on a solid surface and induce motion in the oil/water interface. It is still challenging to manipulate liquid/liquid interface dynamics due to the electro‐capillary instability caused by the electric field in the electrowetting system. Here a dielectric bridge is induced near the oil/water interface by constructing a conductive micropillar (CMP) directly on the hydrophobic surface in an electrowetting system. The CMP height can be adjusted by regulating the wettability of the hydrophobic surface. The electric‐field gradient induced by CMP can precisely control the rupture position and guide the contraction direction of the oil film. For application, the CMPs are added in the full‐color electrowetting display panel, and the average transmittance can increase 25% at white state due to the consistent oil contract direction. The rupture voltage is reduced, and the response time of the electrowetting display is also improved. The COMSOL simulation results are consistent with experimental results indicating the oil rupture position is controlled by the electric field strength. Combing with program patterning, the authors demonstrate a new display function in an unpatterned indium‐tin oxide‐based electrowetting display. These findings will benefit most switchable electrofluidic applications and devices with two‐phase liquid.