Simon Fraser University

Purpose

This project will help overcome one of the major limitations for applications that use colour-changing materials – their temperature dependency. Many research groups and companies have attempted to commercialize organic molecules that undergo reversible changes in colour for applications in dynamic windows, UV indicators and eye-wear. However, all attempts have been held back by the fact that the colour-changing materials function differently at different temperatures. Typically, they darken too much at low temperatures and barely darken at high temperatures. A method to regulate the local temperature would provide an opportunity to employ this technology for many important applications. The project will attach several classes of photoresponsive, color-changing molecules to the surface of nanowires that act as efficient heat conductors. It is anticipated that these optically transparent nanosystems will allow the photoresponsive compounds to undergo their characteristic changes in colour when exposed to different types of light, while reducing their temperature dependency. The project will target colour-changing films and inks for eye-wear, windows and sunscreen indicators.