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Thermochromic Hydrogels with Adjustable Transition Behavior for Smart Windows

  • 0State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China.
Acs Applied Materials & Interfaces +

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April 9, 2024

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April 9, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Smart windows using polyhydroxypropyl acrylate (PHPA) hydrogels can significantly cut building energy use. These thermochromic hydrogels effectively block heat, lowering indoor temperatures by 15°C compared to standard windows.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Sustainable Building Technologies
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background

  • Rapid urbanization and skyscraper construction lead to high energy consumption for climate control.
  • Windows are a major source of heat gain/loss, contributing over 30% to building energy use.
  • Smart windows offer a solution to reduce building energy consumption by modulating light and heat transmission.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop and investigate polyhydroxypropyl acrylate (PHPA) hydrogels for smart window applications.
  • To understand the thermal transition properties of PHPA hydrogels under static and dynamic conditions.
  • To evaluate the performance of PHPA hydrogels in reducing indoor temperature and potential energy savings.

Main Methods

  • Synthesis of PHPA hydrogels with controllable lower critical solution temperature (LCST) via photopolymerization.
  • Investigation of transition temperatures and rates under static and dynamic (varying heating/cooling rates) conditions.
  • Solar irradiation experiments using double glazing windows filled with PHPA hydrogels.

Main Results

  • PHPA hydrogels exhibit controllable LCST, crucial for smart window functionality.
  • Dynamic transition temperature of PHPA hydrogels increases with heating rate due to molecular chain lag.
  • Windows with PHPA hydrogels maintained indoor temperatures 15°C lower than ordinary glass windows under solar irradiation.

Conclusions

  • PHPA hydrogels demonstrate excellent thermal response and high radiation-blocking efficiency for smart windows.
  • Adjustable transition temperatures and fast optical response make PHPA hydrogels a promising material for energy-efficient buildings.
  • The study confirms the significant potential of PHPA hydrogels in reducing air conditioning energy consumption.

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