YIP Empowering Next Generation Electrochromic Materials through Highly Tunable Conductive Metal-Organic Frameworks
Abstract
(Approved for Public Release)PROJECT ABSTRACTDr. Jihye ParkUniversity of Colorado BoulderAdvanced functional materials capable of revolutionizing military equipment and operationsare a necessity that never ceases. Electrochromic materials are one of the essentialmaterials forthe Navy, where optically tunable materials enable smart technologies, such as adaptivecamouflage, stealth technology,smart eyewear, chemical sensors, and data encryption. A keymechanism for achieving dynamic modification of optical properties is redox activity. However,optimizing electrochromic properties in traditional materials remains a significant challenge.Conventional materials struggle to achieve fast response time due to slow redox processes causedby limited electron and ion transports within the materials. Additionally, these materials oftenexhibit poor cycling stability because desirable electrochromic performance often necessitatescrystal lattice transformations during redox reactions with electrolyte ions. Therefore, developingadvanced materials with high surface areas and excellent electron/ion conductivities is highlydesired.In this proposal, we will develop a new class of electrochromic materials using conductivemetal-organic frameworks (c-MOFs). Our primary goal is to overcome the limitations ofconventional systems by developing hybrid materials that take advantage of both organics andinorganics. c-MOFs have immense potential as electrochromic materials due to their intrinsicelectrical conductivity, large surface area, and accessible porosity. However, c-MOFs areunderexplored for electrochromic applications due to its early development stage. We hypothesizethat electrochromic materials with high electrical conductivity and porosity will enhance electronand ion transport, resulting in improved electrochromic performance. Additionally, we will exploreefficient c-MOF/polymer composites to improve processability and integrability to enableenhanced device applications.To test our hypothesis, we will employ linkers or pillars containing redox-active units to impartelectrochromism in c-MOFs. Alternatively, we will tune electrochromic properties by insertingmultivalent metal ions into c-MOFs, providing access to a broad range of colors. Lastly, we willdevelop c-MOF/polymer composites to enhance processability, integrating crucial mechanicalproperties, such as flexibility and self-healing. By incorporating c-MOFs into polymer matrices,we can establish a new class of functional materials with exotic optical and mechanical propertiesto push the boundaries of current electrochromic materials.The significance of theproposed research lies in unraveling the structure-property relationshipswithin electrochromic c-MOFs and enhancing their performance by exploring their compositeswith polymers to realize unprecedented electrochromic performances. Successful execution of thisproject will establish an innovative class of electrochromic materials, taking advantage ofconventional electrochromic systems while adopting desirable mechanical properties andtailorable optical functions. These lightweight composite materials will offer superior chargemobility, electronic tunability, and morphological control, making them ideal for next-generationelectrochromic devices for navaltechnologies. Overall, this project will push the boundaries ofelectrochromic materials by leveraging conductive metal-organic frameworks, enabling practicaladvancements in naval operations, and contributing to developing novel electrochromic devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 24, 2024
- Source ID
- N000142412112
Entities
People
- Jihye Park
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Regents of the University of Colorado
- United States Navy