WO3 quantum dot photochromical film

Tungsten oxide (WO3) photochromic film for smart windows faces many challenges, including slight discoloration, and slow and irreversible photochromic response. We propose a WO3 quantum dots (WQDs) to resolve the above problems, and WQDs-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) transparent film by casting method exhibits quick response to ultraviolet light (< 60 s), and large optical modulation (> 90%) between bleached and colored states, although the bleaching time is still long (8 h). Meanwhile, the PVA/WQDs composite film is self-supported and exhibits excellent tensile properties. The actual cooling effect of the photochromic glass was tested using a model house and the annual energy consumption was simulated by using EnergyPlus software. For a warm city (Haikou), using this photochromic glass can reduce electrical consumption for cooling by 27.3%.

Automated summary

This study investigates the application of tungsten oxide photochromic film in smart windows, and proposes the use of tungsten oxide quantum dots to solve the challenges related to coloration and photochromic response. The results show that the WQDs-PVA transparent film prepared by casting method exhibits fast response to ultraviolet light and large optical modulation range.