A multicolored polymer for dynamic military camouflage electrochromic devices

Abstract

Modern military operations usually require adaptable camouflage across multiple terrains, which prompted us to design and synthesize an electrochromic polymer named P (8,8'-(2,2′-dimethyl-9,9′-spirobi [fluorene]-7,7′-diyl)bis (3,3-bis(((2-ethylhexyl)oxy)methyl)-6-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dihydropine)) (PSBF-ProDOT) via direct (hetero)aromatic polymerization (DHAP). PSBF-ProDOT exhibits a yellow-green-blue-violet multicolor change at specific voltages, and its colors blend well with desert, grassland, wilderness, lake, and ocean environments, which hold promising application prospects in the field of military camouflage. Additionally, PSBF-ProDOT features fast response times (1.8 s for oxidation and 3.1 s for reduction), moderate coloration efficiency (80.7 cm² C⁻¹ at 424 nm), and low initial redox potential (1.08 V/−1.03 V), meeting the requirements for camouflage devices. Here, we present a deformable and simple dynamic military camouflage electrochromic device (DMCECD) based on PSBF-ProDOT. This device achieves camouflage by changing its color to adapt to the surrounding environment, which is controlled via a Bluetooth app on a smartphone. By fine-tuning the voltage with an accuracy of 0.1 V, we can control the color changes of the dynamic military camouflage device to harmonize with specific environmental hues, ensuring optimal concealment. The integration of the Bluetooth module, printed circuit board, and electrochromic component underscores the innovative potential of electrochromic technology in the field of dynamic military camouflage, illustrating the prospective applications for future dynamic camouflage. We believe that our work will further advance the exploration of dynamic military camouflage and broader multifaceted wearable display technologies.