Near‐Infrared Organic Compounds and Emerging Applications

This Focus Review describes the emerging class of near-infrared (NIR) organic compounds containing the conjugated polyene, polymethine, and donor-acceptor chromophores and exploration of their NIR-absorbing, NIR-fluorescence, and NIR-photosensitizing properties for potential applications in heat absorbers, solar cells, and NIR light-emitting diodes. Examples of NIR organic compounds are reviewed with emphasis on the molecular design, NIR absorption, and fluorescence and particular emerging applications. The donor-acceptor type of NIR chromophores are particularly introduced owing to some unique features, including the designer-made energy gaps, facile synthesis, good processability, and controllable morphology…