A Microfabricated Movable Electrochromic “Pixel” Based on Polypyrrole

Moving light-emitting diodes are envisioned as a possible application of the work presented here. Microfabricated bilayer hinges of polypyrrole (PPy) and gold are used to rotate and position silicon plates. This is achieved by electrochemically altering the oxidation state of PPy, thus causing a significant volume change in the polymer. It is demonstrated that power can be supplied to devices on the silicon plates, which is illustrated by the use of a PPy “pixel”, which changes color as the potential is varied.