Ultra-Compliant and Tough Thermochromic Polymer for Self-Regulated Smart Windows

Smart windows have shown powerful potential in modulating sunlight and energy management. However, there has not been a single system that can simultaneously possess all desired properties, that is, high compliance, wide tunability, and autonomous regulation. Here, a novel system based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane crosslinked poloxamer is demonstrated. The as-synthesized material simultaneously possesses a number of the desired properties for smart windows. In addition, with the incorporation of gold nanorods, the as-fabricated smart window can be operated in an autonomous fashion with its transmission being modulated automatically upon environmental temperature shifts. Finally, the high toughness and high stretchability (10 000% strain) of the material also pave a way for future applications in wearable displays or flexible window screens.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates a novel smart window system with high compliance, wide tunability, and autonomous regulation, with the addition of gold nanorods enabling automatic modulation of light transmission upon temperature changes. The material's high toughness and stretchability pave the way for future applications in wearable displays or flexible window screens.