Multifunctional shape-memory smart window based on femtosecond-laser-printed photothermal microwalls

Abstract

Smart windows (SWs) garner significant potential in green buildings owing to their capability of on-demand tuning the solar gains. Apart from solar regulation, people always desire a type of slippery SW which can repel the surface hydrous contaminants for anti-fouling apllication. Unfortunately, the up-to-date slippery SWs that respond to electrical/thermal stimuli have drawbacks of inferior durability and high energy-consumption, which greatly constrain their practical usability. This article presents our current work on an ultra-robust and energy-efficient NIR-SW which can regulate the optical transmittance and droplet’s adhesion in synergy. Significantly, laser-printing strategy enables us to seed the shape-memory photothermal microwalls on a transparent substrate, which can promote daylighting while maintaining privacy by NIR switching between being transparent and opaque. As a light manipulator, it turns transparent with NIR-activated erect microwalls like a open louver; however, it turns opaque with the pressure-fixed bent microwalls akin to a closed louver. Simutanously, the drolets can easily slip on the surface of erect microwalls similar to a classical lotus effect; By contrast, the drolets will tightly pin on the surface of bent microwalls analogous to the prevalent rose effect. Owing to shape-memory effect, this optical/wettability regulation is thus reversible and reconfigurable in response to the alternate NIR/pressure trigger. Morever, NIR-SW unfolds a superior longevity despite suffering from the raindrop’s impacting more than 10000 cycles. Remarkably, such a new-type SW is competent for thermal management, anti-icing system, peep-proof screen, and programmable optics. This work renders impetus for the researchers striving for self-cleaning intelligent windows, energy-efficient green house, and so forth.