Cross-Linked and Surface-Modified Cellulose Acetate as a Cover Layer for Paper-Based Electrochromic Devices

Author(s)

Kaschuk, Joice Jaqueline ^{[1, 2]} ; Borghei, Maryam ^[2] ; Solin, Katariina ^[2] ; Tripathi, Anurodh ^{[3, 2]} ; Khakalo, Alexey ^[4] ; Leite, Fabio A. S. ^[5] ; Branco, Aida ^[6] ; de Sousa, Miriam C. Amores ^[5] ; Frollini, Elisabete ^[1] ; Rojas, Orlando J. ^{[7, 2, 8]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Chem Sao Carlos, Macromol Mat & Lignocellulos Fibers Grp, Ctr Res Sci & Technol BioResources, BR-13560970 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Aalto Univ, Sch Chem Engn, Dept Bioprod & Biosyst, FI-00076 Espoo - Finland

^[3] North Carolina State Univ, Dept Chem & Biomol Engn, Raleigh, NC 27695 - USA

^[4] VTT Tech Res Ctr Finland Ltd, FI-02044 Espoo - Finland

^[5] Ynvisible GmbH, D-79108 Freiburg - Germany

^[6] Ynvisible SA, P-2820690 Charneca Da Caparica - Portugal

^[7] Univ British Columbia, Dept Wood Sci, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 - Canada

^[8] Univ British Columbia, Bioprod Inst, Dept Chem & Biol Engn, Dept Chem, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 - Canada

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS; v. 3, n. 5, p. 2393-2401, MAY 14 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

We studied the surface and microstructure of cellulose acetate (CA) films to tailor their barrier and mechanical properties for application in electrochromic devices (ECDs). Cross-linking of CA was carried out with pyromellitic dianhydride to enhance the properties relative to unmodified CA: solvent resistance (by 43% in acetone and 37% in DMSO), strength (by 91% for tensile at break), and barrier (by 65% to oxygen and 92% to water vapor). Surface modification via tetraethyl orthosilicate and octyltrichlorosilane endowed the films with hydrophobicity, stiffness, and further enhanced solvent resistance. A detailed comparison of structural, chemical, surface, and thermal properties was performed by using X-ray diffraction, dynamic mechanical analyses, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Coplanar ECDs were synthesized by incorporating a hydrogel electrolyte comprising TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils and an ionic liquid. When applied as the top layer in the ECDs, cross-linked and hydrophobized CA films extended the functionality of the assembled displays. The results indicate excellent prospects for CA films in achieving environmental-friendly ECDs that can replace poly(ethylene terephthalate)-based counterparts. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/13500-2 - Ultrathin and nanofibers from cellulose acetate solutions: solar cells application
• Grantee: Joice Jaqueline Kaschuk
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate