Carbon nanotube-based flexible solid-state infrared control device

Abstract

Dynamic infrared control technology has great application value in the field of intelligent thermal management and adaptive camouflage, but its development faces the key bottleneck of traditional electrochromic devices.Mainstream electrochromic devices such as metal oxides and conductive polymers generally have problems such as strong dependence on the conductive layer and high interface impedance. The new infrared control devices based on carbon nanomaterials are limited by the complex preparation process and the risk of electrolyte leakage, which restricts their practical application. To address these challenges, this study proposed a synergistic construction strategy of single-walled carbon nanotube electrode prepared by spraying method and hot-pressed polyurethane solid electrolyte, and successfully developed a flexible solid-state infrared control device integrating functional layer and conductive layer.Experimental results demonstrate that the optimized device achieves a high emissivity modulation amplitude of 0.52 in the 8-14 μm wavelength range, along with a rapid second-level switching speed. After 400 cycles, the device maintains 86.3% of its initial modulation performance. Even after 200 mechanical bending cycles, it retains 94.6% of its original performance, highlighting excellent cycling stability and mechanical flexibility. This study provides a new idea for the development of flexible infrared control devices with high integration and bending resistance.