Flexible electrochromic technology for next-generation wearables

Since the concept of electrochromism (EC) was first proposed in 1961 by J. R. Platt at the University of Chicago, the performance of EC materials and devices has greatly improved over the past few decades.

In recent years, the rapid advancement of the smart wearable sector has spurred the emergence of a new generation of products that are highly flexible, portable, intelligent, and multifunctional—further accelerating the development of EC technologies toward flexibility, rapid color switching, and multicolor capabilities.

In a review article published in KeAi’s Wearable Electronics, a team of researchers from China summarized the  latest research on flexible electrochromic technology for wearable electronics.

“Wearable systems demand not only flexibility but also energy efficiency and responsiveness,” explains co-corresponding Prof. Kerui Li. “Electrochromic devices meet these requirements while offering dynamic visual feedback.”

In the review, the team highlights new low-dimensional EC materials like WO₃ nanowires and V₂O₅ nanosheets, combined with flexible conductors such as silver nanowires and carbon networks.

“These materials improve both mechanical flexibility and optical performance,” adds Li. “At the same time, solid and gel polymer electrolytes are being developed to enhance flexibility and stability, though challenges remain in conductivity and interface integration.”

“Device structure matters,” says senior author Prof. Hongzhi Wang. “From multi-layered stacks, we’ve moved to thinner planar and reflective designs. These simplify fabrication and enhance performance in outdoor or low-light conditions.”

One key advancement is the development of electrochromic fibers—yarns that can change color when woven into fabrics. “These fibers can now be produced at lengths over 100 meters and seamlessly integrated into textiles,” says Li. “This opens the door to true wearable displays.”

Beyond color change, some EC materials offer energy storage capabilities, enabling multifunctional devices that combine display and power functions, while others provide broad-spectrum modulation, from visible to infrared, with applications in camouflage and thermal regulation.

“Our review shows that electrochromic technology is becoming a powerful tool for the next generation of soft, intelligent wearables,” says Wang. “We hope it inspires further research across materials science, electronics, and smart textiles.”

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Contact the author: Wang, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China, wanghz@dhu.edu.cn;

Kerui Li, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, China, likr@dhu.edu.cn

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