Method for producing an image using persistent electrochromic materials

An imaging method which comprises:

• a. providing a receiving member comprised of a solid state persistent electrochromic material uniformly distributed upon a substrate of a surface material which has a resistivity substantially greater than the electrochromic material on a ground plane;
• said surface material being a paper which becomes more conductive upon being wetted and is capable of returning to its original state of resistance by drying;
• b. treating the surface material by wetting it to increase its conductivity and thereby reduce its resistance to a level less than or about equal to that of the electrochromic material;
• c. passing an electrical current through the electrochromic material by creating a potential between a movable electrode and the ground plane and moving the electrode in imagewise configuration to thereby form an image in the electrochromic material;
• and
• d. converting the surface material back to its original state of resistance greater than that of the electrochromic material by drying it.