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Updated: Sep 7, 2025

High-Contrast and Fast Photorheological Switching of a Twist-Bend Nematic Liquid Crystal
Published on: October 31, 2019
Concomitant Thermochromic and Phase-Change Effect in a Switchable Spin Crossover Material for Efficient Passive
Esther Resines-Urien1, Miguel Ángel García García-Tuñón2, Mar García-Hernández3
1IMDEA Nanociencia, C/ Faraday 9, Madrid, 28049, Spain.
Abstract:
The increasing environmental protection demand has prompted the development of passive thermal regulation systems that reduce temperature fluctuations in buildings. Here, it is demonstrated that the heat generated by the sun can trigger a spin crossover (SCO) in a molecule-base material, resulting in a concomitant color variation (from pink to white) and a phase transition. This leads to a cooling effect with respect to other thermochromic materials. In addition, when the material is cooled, a dampening of the temperature decrease is produced. Therefore, these materials can potentially be implemented for passive temperature control in buildings. Furthermore, SCO materials are remarkably stable upon cycling and highly versatile, which allows for the design of compounds with properties tailored for the desired climatic conditions and comfortable temperature.
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