Preparation and photochromic behavior of borosilicate aluminate glass for smart window and curtain wall applications

Sunlight-induced photochromic glass exhibits attractive application prospects in the field of architecture materials. In this work, a series of borosilicate aluminate photochromic glasses containing AgCl nanocrystals were prepared. The photochromic property and mechanisms were systematically investigated. The color of the glass turned from transparent to black (or dark grey) under the irradiation of 365 nm ultraviolet light (or sunlight). Placing in a dark environment, the color of photochromic glass gradually restores to its initial state. From the results of in situ TEM and XPS measurement, it is found that the photochromic and self-bleaching behavior of borosilicate aluminate glass originated from the formation and decomposition of silver nanoparticles. Utilizing the photochromic and self-bleaching properties of the glass, the transmittance of the glass could be reversibly modulated. The cycle measurement shows excellent repeatability, demonstrating the potential application of AgCl-contained borosilicate aluminate photochromic glass in the fields of smart building windows and curtain walls.

Automated summary

This study prepared a series of borosilicate aluminate photochromic glasses containing AgCl nanocrystals and systematically investigated their photochromic properties and mechanisms. Under the irradiation of 365 nm ultraviolet light or sunlight, the color of the glass changed from transparent to black or dark grey. Placing the glass in a dark environment gradually restored its color to the initial state. The photochromic and self-bleaching behavior of the glass was found to originate from the formation and decomposition of silver nanoparticles, as observed through in situ TEM and XPS measurements. The reversible modulation of the glass's transmittance was achieved by utilizing its photochromic and self-bleaching properties, showing excellent repeatability in cycle measurements. This demonstrates the potential application of AgCl-contained borosilicate aluminate photochromic glass in the fields of smart building windows and curtain walls.