Self-Erasable Nanocone Antireflection Films Based on the Shape Memory Effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Polymers

Arrays of nanostructure that are capable of broadband antireflection and light trapping properties are implemented in photovoltaic and photonic devices. However, most of the existing antireflection films have been hindered by a complicated fabricated method and structurally rigid. Here, we report a simple preparation method for self-erasable nanocone antireflection films using the surface replication method. Arrays of nanocone with sub-100 nm surface features could be replicated easily on the shape memory polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, and are erased by thermal stimulation. The reflectivity of self-erasable antireflection film can be switched from the 4.5% to 0.6% averaged over the visible spectral range by controlling the temperature below or above 80 °C. Theoretical simulations have been demonstrated. The unique smart film is expected to be used to further extend the application of smart optical windows and digital screens.