Flexible Displays with Multimode Reversible Switching between Transparent and Colorful States

Abstract Integrating responsive photonic crystals (RPCs) and quantum dots (QDs) effectively to realize multimode dynamic color regulation is of great significance for promoting advances in color display science. Herein, a new type of flexible dynamic color display with multimode reversible switching between transparent and colorful states based on the combination of RPCs and CdTe QDs is designed. This unique system is fabricated by encapsulating a thin layer of ordered arrays of SiO₂@CdTe@SiO₂ (SQS) colloids with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), which generates an elastic film with sandwiched structure of PDMS/SQS/PDMS. Owing to the similarity in the optical properties of PDMS and SQS, the display is highly transparent in the normal state. Moreover, the resultant flexible display exhibits obvious change in color by mechanical stimuli or UV exposure. Finally, the ability to display joints motion amplitudes of human body as well as the applications in advanced security is demonstrated.