Integrated, self-powered, and omni-transparent flexible electroluminescent display system

Abstract

Flexible transparent displays with self-powered features are crucial for artificial electronic skins and information communication in the internet of things (IoT). Here, we present a self-powered flexible display system by integrating the transparent alternating current electroluminescence (ACEL) device with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), sharing the common transparent electrode. The emissive layer of ZnS:Cu@PDMS is sandwiched by transparent electrodes of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and ITO/PET substrate to prepare transparent ACELs. The TENG composed of two transparent tribo-layers ITO and PDMS is obtained and demonstrates an open-circuit voltage of 200 V and a short-circuit current of 6 µA, which can easily light up ACEL devices. A ‘ZZU’ pattern array is instantly carried out by gently pressing the self-powered flexible transparent display system. The integrated system renders high transmittance over 80% in almost the entire visible region. This work possesses considerable potential applications in human-machine interactions, artificial electronic skins, and self-powered communications self-power communication in the IoT.