A novel near-infrared electrochromic material based on the electron-induced proton transfer mechanism

Abstract

Near-infrared electrochromic (NIR EC) materials, capable of dynamically modulating optical transmittance in the NIR band, have attracted considerable attention for their demonstrated potential in energy-efficient thermal management applications. However, further advancement of the NIR EC technology faces three primary constraints: a narrow range of available material systems, intricate material architectural engineering requirements, and serious challenges in precisely regulating optoelectronic properties. Herein, we introduce a unique mechanism of electron-induced proton transfer for the development of NIR EC materials. The as-prepared NIR EC material was fabricated by combining an acid-responsive NIR dye (Cy-N) with an electro-acid molecule (Urea-N). It showed a reversible NIR regulation property, which opens a new way to develop novel NIR EC materials.