Intrinsically Multi-Color Device Based on Dynamic Cooperation of Molecular Switches and Metal Ions

Min Li; Shuo Wang; Ruipeng Shen; Yigui Xie; Yu-Mo Zhang; Sean Xiao-An Zhang

doi:10.53941/mi.2025.100003

Abstract

Multi-color electrochromic material is a long-expected and extremely challenging material, which is important for electrochromic technology to be applied in adaptive camouflage, augmented reality, transparent display, etc. Here, an intrinsically multi-color indirect-electrochromic material based on supramolecular interactions of unusual multi-state molecular switch and metal ion was developed, combining the advantage of multi-state of molecular switch and chemical stability of metal ion. Related prototype device, with transparent intrinsic colorless, magenta, cyan and various mixed colors, have been explored and demonstrated. The mechanism was based on the dynamic coordination of multiple metal ions and single-molecular-dual-switches within fragile supramolecular clusters. Wherein, the color and lightness could be controlled simply by the bias applied, with abilities such as transmittance change (41%), coloring time (7.8 s), coloration efficiency (>100 cm²/C), and reversibility (>600 test cycles, no abnormal changes). The prototype device was fabricated to show the potential to be used in low energy consumption display.

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