Scientists create chameleon-like invisibility material that doesn't use electricity

Molecular compound allows material to shift colors in seconds

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In brief: Researchers in China may be on the verge of bringing invisibility cloaks from the Harry Potter movies to life. A team from the University of Electronic Science and Technology claims to have engineered an innovative material that can change colors to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, much like a chameleon.

In nature, chameleons and octopuses are the ultimate masters of active camouflage, capable of altering their appearance to evade predators. Replicating this feat with man-made materials, however, has traditionally required bulky, complex, and expensive electronic systems.

The research team overcame these challenges with a breakthrough they call "self-adaptive photochromism," or SAP for short. This innovation relies on a molecular compound that reconfigures itself when exposed to specific wavelengths of light. As a result, the material can undergo a striking color transformation without the need for external power sources or sophisticated electronics.

Lead scientist Wang Dongsheng explained that applying the technology to clothing "could make an individual effectively invisible."

To illustrate this capability, the researchers filled a transparent container with the SAP solution and placed it into translucent acrylic boxes of various colors. Remarkably, the solution adapted to match the colors of its surroundings, showcasing its transformative potential.

Taking their innovation a step further, the researchers tested the SAP solution in a natural environment filled with colorful plants. The container adapted to its surroundings, changing colors in just 30 to 80 seconds. To add to this feat, the team developed sprayable coatings that can be applied to solid objects, enabling them to blend seamlessly into the background within a minute.

According to the study published in Science Advances, these materials present exciting opportunities in fields such as fashion, encryption, and stealth technology. They are also robust enough for military and construction applications, maintaining flawless functionality in extreme temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius.

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There's one limitation with the coatings: they can't yet replicate every hue in the visible spectrum. Wang admitted that blue and purple tones remain challenging to mimic, but the team plans to expand the color palette in future research.

Still, the core concept is loaded with potential. The team is also working to accelerate the speed of color shifts and achieve finer shading distinctions.