Multi‐stimuli‐responsive and Multi‐functional Smart Windows

Abstract

Smart windows can change their optical characteristics according to environmental conditions or external stimuli (such as heat and electricity). They are manufactured by considering building characteristics, regional climate, energy policies, and indoor air conditions. Their key optical properties have been improved by developing novel materials, fabrication methods, and designs. The optical properties can be further improved by developing multi‐stimuli‐responsive smart window systems. Recently, some smart windows have been integrated with energy storage, solar energy harvesting, self‐cleaning, and air‐purifying functions. The energy consumed by buildings and houses accounts for a considerable portion of the total energy consumed by a country as well as the world; therefore, these state‐of‐the‐art smart windows will greatly contribute to saving energy. Moreover, some multi‐functional smart windows can help in addressing environmental challenges. This mini‐review particularly focuses on discussing the recent advances made in multi‐stimuli‐responsive and multi‐functional smart windows, in addition to summarizing the researches on electrochromic, thermochromic, and other types of smart windows.

Integrated Thermoelectric Design Inspired by Ionic Liquid Microemulsion-Based Gel with Regulatable Dual-Temperature Responsiveness

“…However, the rigid demand for external power supply limits its applications to some extent . In addition, multi-stimuli responsiveness , and multifunctional integration, such as privacy protection, self-power, information display, air purification, etc., are also regarded as the goals of the next generation of electrochromic smart windows . Therefore, for optimizing performance, researchers have drawn inspiration from thermochromic gel materials and proposed a concept named as the thermoelectric dual-responsive smart window. , The basic constructing mentality of it is to introduce electrochromic or ionic conductive substances into the thermally responsive gel materials, making them own electrochromism directly or be used as the electrolyte layer of the electrochromic smart windows simultaneously. , The achieved dual-stimuli responsiveness tactfully completes the union of active and passive regulation in response to electric field and temperature.…”

Fast Response and Visual Transparency Switching Hydrochromic Film Based on the Rational Structure of Cellulose/Poloxamer Copolymers Design for Smart Window

“…Hydrochromic materials undergo a significant color switching when stimulated by moisture. [7][8][9] They have attracted attention due to their unique advantages, such as low cost, easy operation, simple design, visual color switching, and water as a stimulant. [10][11][12] Currently, a wide variety of hydrochromic materials have been reported, and the reasons for their hydrochromic discoloration vary.…”

Hybrid piezoelectric-magnetic, self-sensing actuator for vibration damping

“…Thus far, multi-stimuli-responsiveness has been utilized for applications in drug and protein delivery, developing capsules and nano shells via layer-by-layer to respond to chemical responses such as pH, solvent, and ionic [12][13] . Lately, multi-stimuli and multi-functional materials have been shifting towards physical responses, such as heat and electrical, such as smart windows that switch transparency, harvest/store energy, and purifies air, eliminating the need for multiple systems 14 . The integration of multiple stimuli responses and functions is complex and requires understanding of each system separately, as well as its simultaneous coupling.…”