Researchers have developed an advanced smart window system that can dynamically control both visible light and infrared radiation, significantly improving indoor comfort and energy efficiency.
The innovation combines liquid crystals, nanoporous microparticles (NMPs), and a patterned vanadium dioxide (VO2) layer, allowing the window to adjust transparency based on voltage or temperature. This breakthrough overcomes limitations of traditional smart windows, which typically manage only light or heat separately.
Published in the Journal of Photonics for Energy, the study highlights that the VO2 layer not only helps align liquid crystals for better performance but also blocks infrared radiation, reducing heat transfer. The integration of NMPs further enhances response speed while minimizing material use.
By automatically adapting to environmental conditions, this next-generation smart window provides a low-energy solution for regulating visibility and temperature, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient indoor spaces.