Facile Preparation of a Low-Cost Liquid Interlayer Material with Intelligent UV-NIR-Shielding Function for Smart...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Smart windows require advanced interlayer materials for efficient light control.
• Existing materials often face limitations in cost, performance, or environmental impact.
• Selective shielding against UV and NIR radiation is crucial for energy-efficient buildings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, high-performance smart window interlayer material.
• To achieve selective shielding against both UV and near-infrared (NIR) radiation.
• To create a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution for smart windows.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of carbon quantum dots at thermal-responsive liquid (CDs@TRL) by compositing biomass-based fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CDs) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM).
• Characterization of material properties including specific heat capacity, thermal storage capacity, and UV-NIR blocking efficiency.
• Evaluation of light transmittance control and intelligent response to ambient light intensity in a window interlayer configuration.

Main Results:

• CDs@TRL demonstrated high specific heat capacity (4.41 kJ kg⁻¹ K⁻¹) and thermal storage capacity (264.6 kJ kg⁻¹).
• The material exhibited enhanced UV-NIR-blocking properties and improved thermal response sensitivity compared to pure pNIPAM.
• A 10 mm-thick layer achieved >95% UV shielding in low light and near 100% in high light conditions.

Conclusions:

• CDs@TRL is a promising, cost-effective interlayer material for smart windows due to its selective UV-NIR shielding and intelligent light transmittance control.
• The material's excellent mobility, recyclability, and simple preparation process contribute to its potential for energy-saving and climate-adapted applications.
• This development offers a sustainable pathway for advanced building materials and energy efficiency.