Mixed-valence system with near-infrared electrochromism of Fe(II)-based metal-organic coordination polymers

Near-infrared electrochromic materials have garnered great attention due to their potential applications in optical data storage and military camouflage. Herein, a networked metal-organic coordination polymer bearing multi-redox centra (Fe-MCP) was successfully prepared by coordination interaction of Fe ions with D-A-Dstructure ligands through the liquid-liquid interface self-assembly strategy. The resultant uniform film exhibits improved NIR electrochromic attributed to the construction of mixed-valence system. Furthermore, a sandwichstructured electrochromic device was fabricated by combining Fe-MCP electrochromic layer, a gel composed of LiClO4, PMMA, and PC as the electrolyte layer, and anodically coloring PB as an ion storage layer. The resultant device illustrated an optical contrast of 31.4 % at 800 nm and 34.2 % at 1000 nm, a response speed of 4.0 s/8.3 s at 800 nm and 7.6 s/2.7 s at 1000 nm, and good cycling durability. The design principles proposed in this study provide a new insight for the preparation of high-performance NIR electrochromic materials.