Flexible, infrared adjustable, thermal radiation control device based on electro-emissive PANI/Ce⁴⁺ thin films inspired by chameleon

Electrochromic materials (ECMs) with reversible change ability are widely concerned as environmental stealth materials that can actively adjust their color and infrared (IR) emissivity. Chameleon is the master of camouflage in the environment, inspired by the discoloration mechanism of chameleon's pigment capsule, we fabricated biomimetic film with superb IR thermal radiation regulation ability, in which polyaniline (PANI) and cerium ion (Ce⁴⁺) were used to simulate the skin receptor and pigment capsule in chameleon's skin respectively. In the wavelength scope of 8 ∼ 14 μm, the IR emissivity's change (△ε) of the film from emeraldine-salt state (ESs) to leucoemeraldine-base state (LBs) is as high as 0.58. Beyond that, we use an integrated rolling thermal packaging process to assemble the films into electro-emissive devices (EEDs) with excellent cycle endurance, flexibility and IR thermal radiation management capabilities. This work provides a new strategy for the preparation of reliable IR thermal radiation control materials and devices.