Controlling the interaction of materials with sunlight and thermal radiation is central to optical and thermal management. This lecture presents our group’s progress along four complementary routes: rigid inorganic devices, flexible composites, phase-change coatings, and bioinspired structures. First, all-solid-state electrochromic and memristive multilayers enable electrically controlled spectral responses. In a transparent ITO/HfO₂/ITO memristive modulator, oxygen-vacancy redistribution changes infrared emissivity by 0.42 over 2.5-25 μm while preserving visible transparency [1-2]. Second, electrochromic polymers integrated with conductive networks bring infrared regulation to lightweight and conformable devices. Third, VO₂-based phase-change coatings exploit temperature-dependent optical properties to adjust radiative heat exchange without external electrical control [3]. Finally, bioinspired structures offer passive spectral selectivity through their material composition and microstructure, including static control of solar reflectance and thermal emission. These examples highlight how ion and defect transport, phase transitions, and structural design can be used to tailor different parts of the spectrum. By combining active and passive approaches, we seek practical strategies for energy-efficient glazing, personal thermal management, and thermal control in demanding environments.

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