Electrochromism is an optoelectronic characteristic of particular interest because it can be exploited in the creation of technologies such as smart windows (Smart Windows) to promote energy efficiency, automotive, sensor or visualization devices. Electrochromic materials change their optoelectronic characteristics, showing different colors depending on the applied electric field. Of particular interest are infrared electrochromic materials and devices (IR-ECD) that dynamically adjust the IR optical properties of objects as they can be exploited for thermal regulation of buildings. The electrochromic materials that are designed and synthetized in our laboratories are organic molecules, highly responsive semiconductors at low potential values following which they change color from ultraviolet up to infrared, resulting in excellent materials for energy saving.
The organic electrochromic materials that we develop have the characteristic of modulating their absorption from the ultraviolet region, visible to the near infrared-infrared under the application of low potential values. The innovative aspects are linked to their preparation and their electrochromic properties: 1-they are made using sustainable and low-cost synthesis methodologies; 2- they can be made in large quantities, 3- they can be easily structurally modulated so as to always have original and singular chemical-physical and electrochromic properties, 4- they are easily processable; 5-they can take on different colors depending on the potential difference applied, going from a colorless condition to a "full black". Electrochromic devices made with these materials have high optical contrast, fast response times and excellent stability in changing color which exceeds 10,000 cycles.