SBIR Phase II: Low-Cost, Energy-Efficient Electronic Paper

这个小企业创新研究计划（SBIR）的第二阶段项目推进了一种新的电子纸技术，该技术以极低的生产成本提供了类似纸张的可视性和高能效。这项创新的核心是一种反乳液电泳显示（REED）墨水，结合了在第一阶段研究中开发的类似纸张的纳米多孔基质。第二阶段的研究目标是：(1)开发一种受控的沉积基体层的方法，(2)确定关键的产品设计参数，(3)开发可扩展和高产的制造方法，(4)对先进原型进行性能评估。实现这些目标的必要任务包括开发基质沉积硬件和表征层质量，优化多孔基质和油墨的组合配方，定义特定的产品几何形状和功能规格，执行过程集成和组装，与电子设备接口和优化驱动信号，进行故障模式和影响分析（FMEA），以及确定稳健的操作条件。这项工作的预期结果是一个先进的原型显示，满足电子货架标签（ESL）应用的性能要求，以及可扩展生产的商业上可行的制造过程序列。该项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力是开发一种核心显示技术，满足电子货架标签（esl）的可读性，功率和成本要求，在数十亿美元的全球电子纸市场中开辟新的机会。这个项目对社会有着重要的影响，因为它可以减轻与当前薄膜显示技术相关的一些环境影响，提高电子显示的能源效率，并且还可以以商业上可行的方式减少纸张消耗。受这一创新影响的技术领域包括电子显示、可印刷电子和纳米技术。受影响的市场部门包括显示器制造业和零售业。这一创新将进一步加强对薄纳米多孔介质中电泳纳米液滴行为的科学和技术理解。从多孔基质和纳米液滴相互作用的研究中获得的增强的科学理解具有超越电子显示领域的协同作用的潜力，在生物分离和能量转换过程等其他领域也遇到了类似的情况。这项研究的另一个重要方面是它对教育的影响，通过让一名大学教员和一名在美国少数民族服务机构工作的研究生参与进来。

This Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II project advances a new electronic paper technology that offers paper-like viewability and high energy-efficiency at very low production costs. Central to the innovation is a reverse-emulsion electrophoretic display (REED) ink, combined with a paper-like nano-porous matrix that was developed in Phase I research. The research objectives for Phase II are: (1) to develop a controlled method for depositing the matrix layer, (2) to finalize critical product design parameters, (3) to develop scalable and high-yield fabrication methods, and (4) to conduct performance evaluation of advanced prototypes. Necessary tasks to achieve these objectives include developing matrix deposition hardware and characterizing layer quality, optimizing the combined formulation of porous matrix and ink, defining specific product geometry and functional specifications, performing process integration and assembly, interfacing with electronics and optimizing driving signals, conducting failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), and identifying robust operating conditions. The anticipated results of this work is an advanced prototype display that meets performance requirements for electronic shelf label (ESL) applications, as well as a commercially-viable sequence of manufacturing processes for scalable production.The broader impact/commercial potential of this project are to develop a core display technology that satisfies the readability, power, and cost requirements desired for electronic shelf labels (ESLs), opening new opportunities within the multi-billion dollar global electronic paper market. This project has important implications on society because it can mitigate some of the environmental impact associated with current thin-film display technologies, improve the energy efficiency of electronic displays, and can also lead to reduced paper consumption in a commercially viable way. Technology areas impacted by this innovation include electronic displays, printable electronics, and nanotechnology. Market sectors impacted include display manufacturing and retail. The innovation will further enhance scientific and technological understanding of the behavior of electrophoretic nano-droplets in thin nano-porous media. The enhanced scientific understanding that will be gained from the study of porous matrix and nano-droplet interactions has potential for synergies beyond the realm of electronic displays, with parallels encountered in other areas such as bioseparation and energy conversion processes. Another important aspect of this research is its impact on education, by engaging a university faculty member and a graduate student at one of the nation's minority serving institutions.