Near‐Infrared Light‐Induced Polymerization in Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Systems

ABSTRACT Near‐infrared (NIR) light‐induced polymerization in organic–inorganic hybrid systems represents a cutting‐edge frontier in materials science and biomedicine, offering advantages including deep penetration, spatiotemporal control, enhanced biocompatibility, and synergistic properties. This review systematically examines the mechanisms driving this technology, such as two‐photon absorption, upconversion, photocatalytic, and photothermal processes. It further elucidates design principles for integrating NIR‐responsive inorganic components, such as lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles, semiconductor quantum dots, perovskites, and plasmonic nanoparticles, with polymerizable organic matrices to achieve tailored mechanical, optical, and multifunctional characteristics. Applications in high‐resolution additive manufacturing, biomedical devices, flexible electronics, and aerospace components are highlighted. Current challenges and future directions related to energy efficiency, biocompatibility, and scalable fabrication are discussed, outlining translational pathways from laboratory innovation to practical implementation.