Window Applications Research Articles

Multi-functional smart bulk hydrogel panels with strong near-infrared shielding and active local control.

Thermochromic hydrogel is a versatile smart material that can be used in various applications. In this paper, we present a new concept of smart windows to passively regulate light transmittance and reduce energy consumption while functioning as an information display. By incorporating passive solar regulation and active local control, this window is devised through the multilayer assembly of tailored poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogels and surface-modified photonic crystal films. The modified surface tension of solvent tunes the scattering center size of the hydrogel, and the addition of the photothermal films (PT films) imparts a high near-infrared (NIR) shielding and light-to-heat conversion, which is needed for low-latitude smart window application. Together with high writing speed, clarity, and repeatability for local writing. This new smart hydrogel engineering can have broad applications, allowing more functionalities in designing building façades.

Nanostructured Quasiplanar Heterointerface for a Highly Stable and Ultrafast Switching Flexible Inorganic Electrochromic Smart Window.

Electrochromic (EC) technology can adjust optical properties under electrical stimulation with broad applications in smart windows, displays, and camouflage. However, significant challenges remain in developing inorganic EC films with high durability, rapid response, and mechanical flexibility due to intrinsic brittleness and dense microstructure. Herein, a nanostructured quasiplanar heterointerface (Q-PHI) is first introduced into the electrode/EC interlayer to realize a robust, ultrafast switching tungsten trioxide (WO3) EC film. The 200 nm-thick Q-PHI WO3 film exhibits remarkable EC performance, including large optical contrast (81.8% and 83.4% at 700 and 1500 nm), ultrafast switching of 2.4 and 1.8 s, and excellent stability (10,000 cycles with 21.3% optical-contrast loss). A large-area (20 × 15 cm2) flexible EC smart window is also successfully achieved. The mechanism lies in the intense built-in electric field and strong interfacial bonding induced by the Q-PHI with unique longitudinal gradient distribution, greatly enhancing the electron/ion transport kinetics, surface ion adsorption, and durability.

Cholesteric liquid crystal mixtures for the switchable smart windows and light shutters: electro-optical and dielectric behavior

Abstract Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) mixtures with variable pitch lengths were prepared for the electrical switchable smart window and light shutter applications by taking varied concentrations (2.6, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0 wt%) of chiral dopant (R1011) having helical twisting power (HTP) 37.6 μm−1 and nematic E7 liquid crystal (LC). The morphological and electro-optical analysis of these CLC mixtures filled in 10µm thick cells were observed and reported herein, the switching of initial planar (P) and initial focal conic (FC) to homeotropic (H) states as well as vice-versa. The operating voltage of the 2.6 wt% of chiral doped CLC cell was relatively lower among all the sample cells compared with other concentrations. The maximum contrast ratio (CR) was observed for 5.0 wt% chiral doped CLC cell with initial planar state. However, the best CR was observed in 2.6wt% CLC cell with initial FC state. The comparative macroscopic views of the P, FC, and H states in the OFF and ON conditions of applied voltage for prepared CLC cells were observed for transparent and opaque states. Further, UV-visible spectroscopy was performed in the P, FC, and H states under the application of an externally applied field to observe the absorbance and band gap behavior of the fabricated CLC cells. Additionally, chiral concentration-dependent dielectric parameters with variable frequency in initial P and FC states of the fabricated cells were also reported. The temperature-dependent phase behavior of all the prepared cells exhibited a slight decrease in the isotropic phase of LC due to the doping of chiral dopants.

Software Complex for Documenting Graphical Applications Based on Topological Decomposition

Contemporary software products and services necessitate extensive accompanying information, including user manuals and documentation. The task becomes more complex in the case of graphical applications, as it requires capturing screenshots and highlighting the described elements. Attaining high-quality visual information using conventional means demands considerable effort and time, since, unlike text, raster images do not provide an interface for retrieving metadata about individual elements, necessitating programmatic extraction of such information. This study presents a software complex designed to automate and expedite this process. The primary focus is on a topo­logical decomposition method that segments images based on topological features such as pixel brightness and proximity, enabling the segmentation of screenshots into control elements. This approach demonstrates high accuracy (96-99 %) in identifying graphical components across most tested images. The software product encompasses functions for the automatic capture of application windows, an algorithm for identifying control elements, and the capability to export the entire image or a specified region. Additionally, an algorithm for generating output templates for image insertion has been implemented. The decomposition method has exhibited effectiveness across the majority of test data. In instances with shadow effects, noise levels were recorded at a maximum of 34 %; however, in most cases, this figure did not exceed 3 %. Further research may contribute to enhancing these results. The findings of this study could prove valuable for the continued exploration of graphical user interface decomposition and the assessment of the method's effectiveness on diverse images. The developed software complex significantly simplifies and accelerates the documentation process, thereby opening new avenues in the automation of software development.

International Patent Families: When to Apply

ABSTRACTWe model the decision of an innovating firm on where and when to make cross‐border patent applications given the rules of the Paris Convention and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). We show that an innovating firm will have an incentive to apply at the beginning (end) of the Paris Convention application window when returns are front‐loaded (back‐loaded). The preliminary review provided by a PCT application expedites the review process in subsequent national applications, leading to the selection of firms with more productive innovations into the PCT route for cross‐border applications. We also show that the PCT's preliminary application may be used to provide information on the patentability of an innovation. To provide empirical evidence on these predictions, we compare the patenting behavior of semiconductor applicants with those of pharmaceutical applicants, where the former has among the shortest times from innovation to market and the latter the longest. Consistent with the predictions of the model, we find that pharmaceutical applications are 15 percentage points likelier than semiconductor applications to be filed at the Paris deadline for national applications under the Paris convention. PCT applications for pharmaceuticals are 32 percentage points likelier to be filed at the Paris deadline. We also find that as many as 30% of PCT applications may result in information about patentability that makes subsequent applications unprofitable.

Revolutionizing Dual-Band Modulation and Superior Cycling Stability in GDQDs-Doped WO3 Electrochromic Films for Advanced Smart Window Applications.

Dual-band tungsten oxide (WO3) electrochromic films are extensively investigated, yet challenges persist regarding complex fabrication processesand limited cyclic stability. In this paper, a novel approach to prepare graphdiyne quantum dots (GDQDs) doped WO3 films with a hexagonal crystal structure, is presented. Structural characterization reveals that the GDQDs/WO3 possesses a coral-like, loose structure with high crystallinity due to the synergistic modulation of morphology and crystallinity. Electrochemical tests confirm that this unique structure provides abundant multi-active sites and efficient electrolyte ion channels, which facilitate the ion insertion/extraction to promote the electrochromic process. The GDQDs/WO3 films exhabit impressive electrochromic performance, with rapid swithing (12.6/8.4 s for bleaching/coloration), high coloring efficiency (104.78 cm2C-1 at 1100nm), and independent dual-band transmittance changes (ΔT， with ΔT633nm = 64.54%, ΔT1100nm = 83.52% and ΔT1600nm = 79.80%), and exceptional stability (remained 95.1% modulation range after 20 000 cycles). The unique characteristics of GDQDs lead to the formation of a built-in electric field via charge transfer, which optimizes and enriches the energy level structure of WO3. This solution not only advances the development of electrochromic technology, but also opens the door for future innovative applications of smart materials.

A Large-Aperture Multi-Subarray Radial Line Helical Array Antenna with Dielectric Windows for High-Power Microwave Applications

A Large-Aperture Multi-Subarray Radial Line Helical Array Antenna with Dielectric Windows for High-Power Microwave Applications

Trends on barrier characteristics improvement of emerging biopolymeric composite films using nanoparticles - A review

BackgroundBio-based films have wide applications in various areas, including medical, packaging, biosensor design, and environmental remediation. Unfortunately, their associated features restricted the application windows for these bio-based films. Barrier properties, such as H2O permeability, O2 permeability, and UV-barrier properties, are among the typical qualities important in designing packaging films because they safeguard food safety and extend shelf life. MethodsEnhancing the barrier qualities has been imperative in recent years owing to its significant impact on food preservation and the valorization of natural biopolymers. The most innovative method is adding metal and metal oxide nanoparticles to the biopolymer with carefully regulated loads and parameters. This review aims to examine the barrier performance as well as their enhancement methods using metal, metal-oxide, and the synergetic effects of nanoparticles. Significant findingsThe review concludes that incorporating metallic and metallic oxide NPs into films has improved their barrier quality. The current and future materials in the property improvement field include metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles, such as Ag, ZnO, GO, and TiO2, as well as their binary effects. Improvements to the barrier characteristics of bio-based films address the environmental and socioeconomic problems brought on by using petro-based films.

An Analysis of Carbon Emissions Reduction in A Public Office Through the Application of Green Remodeling Double-Skin Windows

An Analysis of Carbon Emissions Reduction in A Public Office Through the Application of Green Remodeling Double-Skin Windows

Cellulose‐Based Transparent Superhydrophobic Coatings With a Four‐Layer “Armor” Structure for Anti‐Fouling and Anti‐Icing Applications

ABSTRACTA superhydrophobic transparent coating effectively inhibits icing and promotes self‐cleaning, rendering it exceptionally valuable for practical applications in solar panels and car windows. However, attaining both hydrophobicity and transparency in superhydrophobic coatings continues to pose a significant challenge. Thus, this study introduces an innovative four–layered structure. The bottom layer was treated with hyperbranched epoxy–oligosiloxane nanocluster (HP) to serve as a binder. The intermediate layer was modified with amino–silane–modified nano–cellulose (APT–CNF) to develop a micro–scale skeletal structure. The granular layer incorporated fluorine‐modified dendritic silica nanochains (FNPs) to induce nano–structural roughness, while the surface layer employed a silicon elastomer polymer (BFVSE) as an armor‐protective coating featuring both micro– and nano–structural characteristics. The coating exhibits remarkable superhydrophobic properties, with a CA measured at approximately 155°. Furthermore, it demonstrates exceptional light transmittance, reaching approximately 93.1% at a wavelength of 545.5 nm, in contrast to around 91.4% for uncoated glass. The transparent superhydrophobic coating retains its superhydrophobic properties over extended periods following exposure to water impact, sand impact, mechanical bending, high‐temperature heat treatment, acid–base impregnation, and ultraviolet irradiation. Subsequent to dust accumulation testing, the coating continues to exhibit high optical transparency. Its superior performance in solar energy applications, among other fields, indicates significant potential for practical applications.

Comparative Study of C++ and C# Programming Languages

This comparative study explores the similarities and differences between two widely-used programming languages: C++ and C#. While both languages are integral to modern software development, they cater to different development environments and paradigms. C++, a general-purpose programming language, is known for its performance efficiency and low-level memory management, making it ideal for system software, embedded systems, and performance-critical applications. In contrast, C#, a high-level language developed by Microsoft, is primarily used in the .NET ecosystem for building Windows applications, web services, and enterprise solutions. This study examines various aspects of both languages, including syntax, memory management, performance, ease of use, and application domains. By analyzing these parameters, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive comparison that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of C++ and C# in different programming contexts. Additionally, the study discusses the role of both languages in modern development environments and their suitability for various types of projects. The findings suggest that while C++ remains the preferred choice for performance-sensitive applications, C# offers a more user-friendly environment for rapid application development, particularly in enterprise and web-based applications.

Progress in Tungsten Trioxide-Based Materials for Energy Storage and Smart Window Applications

Previous years have witnessed a rapid surge in WO3-based experimental reports for the construction of energy storage devices (ESDs) and electrochromic devices (ECDs). WO3 is a highly electrochromic (EC) material with a wide band gap that has been extensively used for the construction of working electrodes for supercapacitor (SC) and ECD applications. Previously, WO3-based hybrid composites were explored for SC and ECD applications. In this review report, we have compiled the WO3-based hybrid electrode materials for SC and ECD applications. It is believed that the present review would benefit the researchers working on the fabrication of electrode materials for SC and ECD applications. In this review article, challenges and future perspectives have been discussed for the development of WO3-based SCs and ECDs.

A Spectrum-Tailored Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Film for Energy-Saving Smart Windows.

The polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) holds potential application in smart windows, owing to its feasibility in regulating the transmittance of specific wavelength bands to improve energy utilization. Herein, a composite PDLC smart window is designed, which showcases high emissivity of 93.79% in the mid-infrared region and features the regulation of ultraviolet (UV), visible, and near-infrared (NIR) light. Titanate nanomaterials with diverse morphologies are synthesized and doped to endow the PDLC film with perfect UV shielding property and excellent electro-optical (E-O) performance. Subsequently, the E-O performance is further improved by modifying the structure of acrylate monomers, with the maximum transmittance exceeding 80%. Furthermore, the LaB6 layer is incorporated to effectively shield NIR light. Due to the synergistic effect of sunlight modulation and passive radiative cooling, the composite PDLC smart window can effectively lower the indoor temperature compared with traditional PDLC films. Eventually, the fabricated LaB6/PVA/PDLC smart window displays high contrast (210.65), a low threshold voltage (6.68V), and remarkable passive radiative cooling performance (cooling power of 131.24 m2K-1). Overall, the composite presents switchable transmittance in visible region, excellent UV-blocking (>99%), and high NIR shielding capacities, thereby broadening its potential application in the field of smart windows.

Enhancing Stability: Two‐Dimensional Thermochromic Perovskite for Smart Windows in Building Applications

AbstractRecently, there is rapid development of thermochromic metal halide perovskite (MHPs) for smart window applications due to their competitive optical performance and cost‐effective synthesis. However, existing MHP smart windows predominantly feature 3D perovskite, which exhibits a deficiency in environmental stability, presenting persistent challenges for practical applications. This study introduces a novel and more durable 2D thermochromic perovskite, Tha2MAPbI4 (TMPI, Tha = thiourea, MA = methylamine), wherein Tha acts as a Lewis acid‐base adduct. TMPI demonstrates a reversible transition, achieving 83.7% luminous transmittance in the cold state and 35.2% in the hot state, thereby showcasing a substantial solar modulation ability of 24.7%. Further analysis of the crystal structure reveals that the thermochromic behavior of TMPI arises from a phase transition between 0D perovskite and 2D perovskite, induced by a dehydration‐hydration process. Notably, TMPI maintains thermochromic properties even after direct exposure to 75% relative humidity and 25 °C air for up to 28 days, a stark contrast to traditional 3D perovskites that lose their thermochromic capabilities within a few days under similar conditions. This research unveils TMPI as a thermochromic 2D perovskite that marks a significant advancement in environmental stability, indicating promising prospects for thermochromic smart windows.

Preparation and Performance Study of MXene-Regulated Ethylene Glycol-Induced WO3 Film

This study introduces the development of a W-M1.0 electrochromic film, characterized by a “coral”-like TiO2@WO3 heterostructure, synthesized via a hydrothermal process leveraging the inherent instability of MXene. The film showcases exceptional electrochromic performance, with a coloring response time of 2.8 s, a bleaching response time of 4.6 s, and a high coloring efficiency of 137.02 cm2C−1. It also demonstrates a superior light modulation ability of 73.83% at 1033 nm. Notably, the W-M1.0 film exhibits remarkable cyclic stability, retaining over 90% of its initial light modulation capacity after 4000 cycles, outperforming many existing electrochromic materials. The film’s enhanced performance is credited to its coral-like structure, which boosts the specific surface area and promotes ion transport, and the TiO2@WO3 heterojunctions, which enhance charge transfer and stabilize the material. Devices fabricated with the W-M1.0 film as the cathode and a PB film as the anode exhibit a seamless transition from dark blue to colorless, underscoring their potential for smart window and dynamic glass applications.

Interface Engineering of Thin-Film Lithium Phosphorus Oxynitride Electrolyte by Appropriate Oxygen Plasma Treatment for Flexible All-Solid-State Supercapacitor.

The interfacial incompatibility between lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON) and anode greatly deteriorates the performance of thin-film all-solid-state supercapacitors (ASSSCs). This article investigates oxygen plasma treatment to improve the interface. Through appropriate plasma treatment, a Li2O/Li3PO4 composite layer is formed by replacing nitrogen with oxygen at the LiPON surface owing to strong reactivity of oxygen plasma. This composite layer inherits the merits of both Li2O (including good mechanical strength and ultralow electrical conductivity) and Li3PO4 (including good chemical stability and relatively high ionic conductivity), and thus is quite desirable for service as a LiPON/anode buffer layer with excellent chemical and mechanical stability, high ionic conductivity and low electrical conductivity. Consequently, the corresponding plasma-treated ASSSC displays much better electrochemical performance than the no-treated one in terms of its higher specific capacitance (≈15.4 mF cm-2 at 0.5µA cm-2), better cycling stability (≈95.1% of the retained capacity after 15000 cycles) and lower self-discharge rate (66.4% of the retained voltage after 20h). The plasma-treated one also shows both excellent flexible and electrochromic characteristics and demonstrates the ability of self-adaptive temperature adjustment for smart window applications.

Impacts of Acacia Biochar and Irrigation Scheme on Teff Production for Dry Season in Highland of Ethiopia

Teff (Eragrostis tef) is one of the essential cereal crops grown mainly in rainy season and barely grown in dry season, but has the lowest yield compared to other cereal crops such as wheat and barley in Ethiopia. High prices and scarcity of fertilizers challenge farmers in teff production. Nitisols in tropical Ethiopia have a characteristic of low fertility and high acidity causing low crop productivity, which require application of organic amendment to bring chemical and physical soil properties at levels to achieve a good crop productivity, which could contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different application rates of acacia biochar (ACB) under two different irrigation schemes on soil nitrogen and water dynamics and teff production. Biochar application rates were 0, 5, and 20 t ha–1 (0ACB, 5ACB, and 20ACB, respectively) and irrigation schemes were 75% and 100% of water requirement (I1 and I2, respectively) by teff according to farmers’ practice. Soil pH with 20ACB at 10 cm soil depth was significantly increased in the beginning of growing season. ACB application and irrigation schemes did not significantly affect soil NH4+-N and NO3--N at both 10 and 30 cm depths throughout growing season. Soil water content limited by dry growing season in this experiment may be critical and underrated for effective amelioration of soil acidity and plant nutrient improvement by biochar application. Under both irrigation schemes, 20ABC-I1 and 20ABC-I2 presented higher teff dry biomass (22-23% and 21-30%, respectively) and plant height (9.4-9.8% and 13.2-14.7%, respectively) than those with 0ACB and 5ACB, respectively, however only under I2 irrigation scheme it was significant. This study showed that the combination of different irrigation schemes combined with biochar application had somewhat positive impacts on teff biomass production. However, limited amount of water supplied from irrigation particularly during dry season may mask such effects of biochar on crop growth by limiting interaction of biochar with soil particles compared to wet season. This combination should contribute and stimulate crop production and efficiency of water usage. However, particularly in highland of Ethiopia, to avoid grain loss by rainfall, it is recommended to start growing period early with sowing in December for dry season. Further studies with long-term biochar application and different window of sowing time are necessary for better understanding of such practices.

Pengaruh Fasilitas Wisata dan Harga Terhadap Kepuasaan Pengunjung di Destinasi Wisata Tahura Kabupaten Bandung

Tourism is a sector that plays an important role in increasing Indonesia's foreign exchange. Therefore, it is mandatory for the tourist destination sector to pay attention so that every visitor who has visited a tourist destination feels satisfied after visiting the tourist destination. The aim of this research is to determine the influence of tourist facilities and prices on visitor satisfaction at the Tahura destination, Bandung Regency. The design of this research is quantitative with the population being visitors from the Tahura tourist destination and data collection was obtained through distributing questionnaires using Google Form and distributed to visitors who visited the Tahura tourist destination, Bandung Regency using a purposive sampling technique, with predetermined characteristics. The sample of this research consisted of 100 respondents. The data analysis technique from this research uses the classic assumption test which consists of the normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, and multiple linear regression. The data in this research was processed with the help of the IBM SPSS Statistics 25 for Windows application. The results of this research show that the variables of tourist facilities and prices have a significant effect on visitor satisfaction. In this research, the price variable has the greatest influence on the visitor satisfaction variable than other variables. It is hoped that this research will be useful for tourist destination managers so that they can maintain and improve tourist facilities. It is hoped that this research will be useful for the surrounding government so that they can pay attention to and improve the facilities and prices at the Tahura destination, Bandung Regency. It is hoped that this research will be useful for the Tourism Industry study program which will research Facilities. Tourism and Prices on Visitor Satisfaction, it is hoped that this research will be useful for researchers to develop tourist facilities in the Tahura destination, Bandung Regency.

Electrochromic windows and flexible devices based on viologen-containing hydrogel electrolytes

Electrochromic devices (ECDs) with reversible optical modulation have great potential for smart window and flexible device applications. In this study, we propose low-power consumption, all-in-one-type ECDs based on LiCl-containing polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogel as a transparent and flexible gel electrolyte. Hydrophilic 1,1′-bis(3-hydroxypropyl) viologen dibromide (V-OHP) was served as the electrochromic (EC) material, hydroquinone (H2Q) was used as the anodic species, and H2Q/V-OHP/LiCl molar ratio was adjusted to obtain a balanced charge for the desired redox states of V-OHP. The basis for using V-OHP is derived from its hydroxyl groups, which enhance the hydrophilic characteristics of the radical cation (V-OHP*) and, as a result, the stability of the colored radical cations. This leads to enhanced stability, longer cycle life, and improved device dynamics. Investigations were also conducted into the EC behavior of viologen in solution. Following the utilization of various ECDs with various ratios of LiCl and H2Q, the most optimal sample was chosen and its efficiency in the application of EC windows and flexible devices was assessed. The created EC windows demonstrated distinct features including a significant contrast, outstanding stability, and a substantial cycle life (preserving over 94 % of the original transmittance after 800 cycles). Distinct device dynamics were also evident at a voltage of − 1.4 V with a time constant of about 10 s for coloring and 33 s for bleaching in open circuit condition.

Disturb and its Mitigation in Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistors With Large Memory Window for NAND Flash Applications

Disturb and its Mitigation in Ferroelectric Field-Effect Transistors With Large Memory Window for NAND Flash Applications