Smart Windows Based on Nanostructure Electrochromic Materials

Bismillah.

Do you know "Smart Windows"?. Many of us still did'nt know about this a new class of windows technology. Before I explain about this technology, might be you can see the video about smart window in the new Boeing 787 windows.



So, What is the advantages of this windows. Because of the response to color change, smart windows can help us in saving energy. Such as: (1) Absorbing sunlight in the winter and (2) Reflecting sunlight in the summer.


How are these windows work?
Another source about smart window might be help you to understand, how are these windows work. (just click picture below)



These windows work by incorporating the electrochromic material in the windows. Electrochromic materials are the most common materials for smart windows. Electrochromic materials are able to change their optical properties by giving a voltages. The structure of electrochromic is showed in below figure.


In that figure, the electrochromic material will get an electron (e) from transparent conductor ion storage and the reaction will be result a change color of electrochromic device.

Furthermore, electrochromic performance for smart windows depends on its structure. Nanostructures with high surface-to-volume ratio and small grain size have attracted extensive research interests. There are many advantages of nano-Electrocromic material on Smart Windows :

1. Improve response time (time to change from transparent to dark or vice versa)
2. Improve coloration efficiency
3. Good stability