LCST ion gels fabricating "all-in-one" smart windows: thermotropic, electrochromic and power-generating.

Abstract

Smart windows always respond to single stimuli, which cannot satisfy various needs in practical applications. Smart windows that integrate thermotropic, electrochromic and power-generating functions in one device is highly challenging yet important in satisfying on-demand light modulation and energy efficiency in practical applications. Herein, a thermoresponsive lower critical solution temperature (LCST) ion gel was fabricated via a facile in situ polymerization of butyl acrylate in a conventional ionic liquid to explore "all in one" smart windows. The ion gel-assembled smart windows are thermotropic and electrochromic with a reliable adjustment of light transparency as well as power-generating, enabled by the ionic Soret effect of ionic liquids. Additionally, the ion gels demonstrated self-defensive robust mechanical properties, thermal insulating and antifogging properties. With such an interdisciplinary and comprehensive study of the ion gels, the LCST ion gels could fulfil the requirements of genius windows with high energy-saving potential and exceptional climate adaptability, such as shut-down of light transmission in summer, daily solar energy collection, and colour changes on demand. It conceptually updates smart windows from an energy saving to an energy supplier in buildings. It is the first time to explore the "all in one" smart windows based on integrated multifunctional ionic liquids, which could greatly bridge the gap between the materials and buildings to accelerate practical applications of smart windows.