Heteroaromatic π-stacking engineered near-infrared absorption for highly stable near-zero transmittance electrochromic window

Xilu Wu, Bingwei Bao, Zhiyuan Bai, Qingchao Fan, Chengyi Hou, Qinghong Zhang, Yaogang Li, Weizhong Jiang, Kerui Li () and Hongzhi Wang ()
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Xilu Wu: Donghua University
Bingwei Bao: Donghua University
Zhiyuan Bai: Donghua University
Qingchao Fan: Donghua University
Chengyi Hou: Donghua University
Qinghong Zhang: Donghua University
Yaogang Li: Donghua University
Weizhong Jiang: Donghua University
Kerui Li: Donghua University
Hongzhi Wang: Donghua University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Electrochromic (EC) devices based on structurally designable and color-tunable EC molecules can dynamically regulate light-heat transmittance via the charge-transfer mechanism, yet face challenges of limited near-infrared (NIR) absorption, long-term instability, and restricted modulation modes. Here, we show that π-stacking of heteroaromatic tri-pyridine molecules with a 1,3,5-triazine core (H-TriPy) enhances molecular conjugation, significantly augments NIR absorption, and enables dual-band modulation with improved visual comfort. The three pyridine-based redox centers facilitate multi-step electron transfer, enabling multi-modal EC regulation, including bright, cool, and dark modes. Incorporation of a fluorinated ionic liquid into EC organogels inhibits irreversible π-stacking of high-concentration H-TriPy. Consequently, H-TriPy-based EC devices achieve neutral-colored states with near-zero transmittance as low as 3.7% in both visible and NIR ranges and maintain high switching stability of over 89.1% retention after 100,000 cycles. Furthermore, large-area EC devices exhibit uniform tinting and reliable stability, underscoring their potential for energy-efficient green buildings.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64955-1

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